True Life Abundant
Challenge and encourage people to live excellent
Tag Archives: victory in Jesus
LIVE Fearlessly
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline.
– 2 Timothy 1:7
Perfect love casts out all fear – 1 John 4:18
I saw a billboard with a picture of a kid swimming under water with the caption – LIVE FEARLESSLY
Just like that young kid, we too were a bold kid with the adventure of living pushing every door open. We too believed we will fulfill all our dreams and aspirations. We will courageously strive and excel to do anything we desire to do with our lives.
And what happens? Life happens.
We deal with setbacks and disappointments at work and with relationships. The reality of bills and taxes; accountability and responsibilities. We deal with a culture filled with negativity and cynicism, rejection and manipulation. We deal with people who put us down and confirm our subconscious fears. Fear that we are limited in what we can achieve.
We compromise, rationalize and justify just surviving; not LIVING.
Instead of diving into the water exploring the depths of the pool, like the kid in the photo, we stand on the edge with trepidation. We visualize bad things that can happen.
We deceive ourselves in believing it is okay not to go any further. And we go about living less than we were created to be.
How do we transform our thinking, decisions and actions?
Learning to allow that perfect love of God (God is love, 1 John 4:8) to have command of all our fears.
We learn to trust God by first intentionally confessing and surrendering it to Him. And acknowledge that He is greater than our fear.
Cast your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7
We need to SPEAK truth.
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic.
For the Lord your God will personally go before you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. – Deuteronomy 31:6
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Philippians 4:12-13
He that is in me is greater than he of the world. – 1 John 4:4
To be transformed by the renewing of our mind we must bombard our mind with these truths EVERYDAY.
I recommend getting an index card spiral notebook. Write scriptures that speak to you down and speak them as much as possible during day; whether out loud or to yourself.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. – Movie, Coach Carter
WHETHER YOU SAY YOU CAN or WHETHER YOU SAY YOU CAN’T….YOU ARE RIGHT!
Intentionally, today…and everyday…… LIVE Fearlessly, Trusting God
Resources at https://www.mtreppel.com/
LIVE Intentional Today
BODY – Somehow, some way, intentionally be physically active
MIND – Continue to use empowering words – conversations, interactions
SPIRIT – Read the Word –allow it to transform your spirit, your mind
Step Forth
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” –2 Corinthians 12:9
There is a word in the English language that if spelled one of the three ways that you can spell it, can be very dangerous.
The word is TOO.
TOO – adverb
to a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible; excessively.
It can be dangerous because we use it too loosely and often to either disqualify ourselves or being deceived that it qualifies us were we aren’t.
We find ourselves outside of God’s will at times. Why? Because we take inventory of what we have or not have and from there decide we can or can’t.
It also can walk us into circumstances we shouldn’t have walked in but were deceived by that same inventory. We can realize we are getting ourselves in trouble instead.
I am too smart for that to happen to me.
I am too shy.
I am too old.
I am too young.
I am too damaged.
I am too sinful.
I am too good for that.
I am too slow.
I am too ugly.
I am too educated.
I am too dumb.
I am too poor.
I am too __________
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the Lord of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6
When you sense God’s leading we can’t take inventory of ourselves but of God.
Think about where you feel God is leading you but you hesitate. You have inventoried yourself and feel you do not stack up and therefore you can’t.
It is not about who we are, what we have or not have. It is about who He is. And what He has.
Intentionally, today…and everyday…… Step forth in God’s ability.
Regardless, Operate in Victory
When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. “The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’ “’An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed. “’Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked. “’No, he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds.’” – Matthew 13:26-30
If only God would remove that one person.
That one person who seems to keep you from being able to; achieve, live instead of survive, get promoted.
If God would just punish that one person who flaunts their good fortune in your face.
That one person who makes you feel guilty – feel ashamed – feel condemned – feel worthless.
If God would just change your neighbor. Your boss. The guy in the cubicle next to you. Your mother in law.
He did not remove them for Jesus and GOD WILL NOT for you. He would not have it any other way for you to realize you walk in victory.
No weapon formed against you can prosper – Isaiah 54:17
No! Despite all these things, you are more than a conqueror! Through Christ Jesus – Romans 8:37
I am victorious.
I will ignore negativity; I will interrupt it, responding with something uplifting, encouraging, and complimentary.
I will not allow how I feel about someone dictate my words, actions or decisions
I will not believe that I can’t strive and fulfill God’s will for me because I perceive another person an obstacle
I can do what God would have me do even with a thorn in my flesh
I believe that God’s grace is sufficient enough, His power is perfect in my weakness- 2 Corinthians 12:9
I am who God says I am
I only am defeated if I believe I am. I am the only one who can defeat me, not anyone else.
I DECIDE
I CHOOSE
It can be hard. It can be tough
No team or individual has ever won a championship without opposition.
They had a game plan. And so do you.
Believe it.
Believe Him.
Believe You.
Intentionally, today…and everyday…… walk on the field of life, with all the opposition, and know you are victorious……cause the Sovereign God says so!!
Resources at
https://www.mtreppel.com/
LIVE Intentional Today
BODY – Somehow, some way, intentionally be physically active
MIND – Continue to use empowering words – conversations, interactions
SPIRIT – Read the Word –allow it to transform your spirit, your mind
Stay on Path
A time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation…Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. – 2 Timothy 4:3-5
Stay on the path. Stay on the path.
I walk by faith, not by sight.
– Denzel Washington, The Book of Eli
It is easy in this world we live in to be persuaded.
The power of media; Social media, TV, movies, music.
Our culture has changed so much since I was young of what is accepted and what is not. What you see and hear on social media. TV and movies. It spills into all areas of society. Including churches where some have made the priority to entertain and keep the congregations approval instead of speaking truth….The Truth that will set people free.
Joshua was told to lead the people to the land God had promised. He was told not to turn to the right or to the left.
Because in doing so he would see other people in the area who believed and did that which God told the Israelites not to. Unfortunately down the road the Israelites did turn to other persons idols and rituals by being persuaded that it was good and enjoyable. And it was enjoyable to their natural senses but it poisoned their spirit and carried them away from God. And eventually, just as will be this day and age….consequences.
Keep your mind clear.
Stay with truth.
Be mindful of what you are listening to, agreeing with. Does it align with the Word?
In the movie The Book of Eli his path was very hard. But at the end his faith on staying on the path lead him to the Promised Land.
Intentionally, today…and everyday…… Stay on Path
Resources at
https://mtreppel.com/
LIVE Intentional Today
BODY – Somehow, some way, intentionally be physically active
MIND – Continue to use empowering words – conversations, interactions
SPIRIT – Read the Word –allow it to transform your spirit, your mind
Victorious
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the armor of God that you will be able to stand firm against the strategies of the devil. For our fight is not a against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. – Ephesians 6:10-12
The fish which covets bait is caught; troops who covet bait are defeated. Under fragrant bait there is certain to be a hooked fish.
– Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Reading this book, it is amazing the intricate details of how to defeat your enemy and win victory.
You have such an enemy too who knows specifically what your weak spots are and wants to exploit them and discourage and defeat you. He knows what distracts you and entices you; what can get you off your focus.
Stay alert! Watch out for your enemy goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. – 1 Peter 5:8
The good news, though, is that He that is in you is greater than he of this world. – 1 John 4:4
The challenge we have is to operate; what we do, what we say – with that thinking pervasive in our mind.
We have to be prepared every day. EVERY DAY.
Ask, every morning for spiritual discernment. Ask for wisdom and clarity and be observant all the day long.
Acknowledge that your flesh has weaknesses and surrender yourself to God.
We need to take heed what the Word tells us. We cannot defeat the enemy. Jesus, though, already has. And He gives us the blueprint. We are to follow His teachings. We have to READ every day His Word, His Truth, His Wisdom. – in order to be transformed by the renewing of our mind which in turn will give us more awareness, sharpness and spiritual consciousness.
We make the mistake that we “know” what we are doing; that we are clever, quick or smart enough. That we are “ok”
We make the mistake of underestimating the consequences of not learning and following the instructions of the victor.
The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, BUT I have come that they may have LIFE, abundant LIFE. – John 10:10
You will not be able to walk victorious just hoping it will happen through your own determination; your own flesh power. NO, that is where the enemy is strongest and you are weakest – in the natural.
As the scripture tells us our battle isn’t with a physical enemy. So we have to be mentally changed to not take the bait. To not get our focus on that what we see and react to it.
NO, just as Jesus would not be tempted and get off His purpose so too can we.
We must learn….Him. And in so doing surrender to Him.
In so doing you will have your thermostat set on Him and the enemy will not be able to sift you.
You are the child of the Most High God! LEARN to walk in His victory
It cultivates a lifestyle of Humble Confidence
You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will come to know the TRUTH. And the TRUTH will set you free. – John 8:31-32
Put on the equipping that He provides, Be in His Word. For He is the Word. ( John 1:1-5,14)
Intentionally, today…and everyday…… LIVE victorious
Resources at – https://www.mtreppel.com/
LIVE Intentional Today
BODY – Somehow, some way, intentionally be physically active
MIND – Continue to use empowering words – conversations, interactions
SPIRIT – Read the Word –allow it to transform your spirit, your mind
God Knows You By Name!
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine. – Isaiah 43:1
At our birth we are named, not numbered. The name is that part of speech by which we are recognized as a person. We are not classified as a species of animal. We are not labeled as a compound of chemicals. We are not assessed for our economic potential and given a cash value. We are named. What we are named is not as significant as that we are named.
-Eugene Peterson, Run with the Horses
So much of what we are able to access and operate our lives are based on our user name, passwords, account numbers, driver’s license number and account number.
It can subtly take us away from the real value that each of us has. Our value is that we are unique. We are each made in the image of God with gifts, talents and incredible worth. No one else, of the approximately 8 billion people on this Earth, has the same fingerprint as you.
It is important to be aware, every day, that God sees you as you. He cares about your heart. He is acutely aware of those things that affect you, how and why. He desires the most intimate relationship with you. He cares for you.
It is paramount for our mind, body and spirit to be keenly cognizant that we are loved, accepted and approved. How we think, decide and act is hinged on how we see ourselves. Are we just an accident that just happens to be alive now for a short period of time? Or are we an eternal being who is special, cherished and loved by their Creator?
We should live in excellent in our identity.
And we should, I believe, do this with incredible humility as we approach Easter Sunday. It is for what Jesus did that gives us our most inimitable inheritance. Your value is immeasurable because it cannot be measured! There is not a scale that can calculate the sacrifice He made for us.
Be mindful this week as we approach, not only the Cross, but also the empty tomb, you have a name! It is…His.
Worth enough to die for.
Intentionally, Today……and everyday…. Remember the intimate customized significant individual that you are! God knows you by name!
Truth Perspective
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:8-10
“As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand,” says the Lord. – Jeremiah 18:6
Each day you arise you must have The Truth Perspective.
God isn’t way up there watching you like a hawk to see if you are going to do what you should and therefore throw you a bone or condemn you. No, you are covered in His grace.
Look at those scriptures carefully. Your life is a gift. He is always in contact with you; you’re in His hands, always.
When you arise each day He sees a masterpiece.
YOU are his workmanship.
THIS IS TRUTH.
Accept it.
Honor Him.
Honor yourself by seeing yourself as He sees you regardless of anything you’ve done. Regardless of a situation you find yourself in.
Regardless of how you perceive yourself – IT ISN’T ACCURATE if not aligned with this Truth.
God doesn’t see you in proportion to your earthly status; socioeconomically, financially, career, married or divorced, single or widowed.
He sees you as His masterpiece in His hands.
He has prepared good for you today. He has already set your path for you to walk.
This truth will allow you to see accurately your relationship with your creator, your God.
Knowing this truth you will be conscious that God is with you at all times and cherishes you. You will have more sustained peace and joy.
Intentionally, today…and everyday…… Develop TRUTH perspective
Resources at https://www.mtreppel.com/
LIVE Intentional Today
BODY – Somehow, some way, intentionally be physically active
MIND – Continue to use empowering words – conversations, interactions
SPIRIT – Read the Word –allow it to transform your spirit, your mind
Be Reconditioned to Truth
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:2
Positive, Encouraging…KLove!
That is the slogan on the national Christian radio station KLove.
It is the first thing on in our house every morning before any of the kids are up. Whether someone is home or not, it pretty much stays on kitchen radio.
Once a caller wanted to give a testimony of KLove’s 30 day challenge. The challenge is to listen to only Christian music for 30 days. After which they love to hear feedback.
This caller said that she never really listened to KLove or any other Christian station. But she was flipping through stations when she stopped on KLove when they were discussing it. What the heck, she tried it.
Things could only get better is what she thought.
She was always angry. She was 26 years old and has had 8 miscarriages and has lost many family members. She felt completely lost and helpless.
She listened and listened and listened. She was feeding her mind positive, encouraging, godly messages and songs. She was re- conditioning her mind to truth. To God and His love through His Son Jesus. She gave her life to Christ.
She said her perspective on life, on God, and on herself have changed dramatically.
Her mind now notices and attracts towards that which is positive and encouraging. Before it was saturated with negativity. Now she had peace and hope.
Are you aware of the condition of your mindset?
What are you continually allowing into your mind? Is it healthy? Is it godly? Is it….Positive, Encouraging?!
Our minds will be aware and attract to that which we expose it to.
We are free to listen and watch whatever we want.
However, we have no control of what our mind does with it.
Jesus says in John 8:31-32 that if you abide in Him you will truly be His disciples, you will know Truth, and that Truth will set you free.
Intentionally, today…and everyday……Positive and encouraging
Resources at
https://www.mtreppel.com/
LIVE Intentional Today
BODY – Somehow, some way, intentionally be physically active
MIND – Continue to use empowering words – conversations, interactions
SPIRIT – Read the Word –allow it to transform your spirit, your mind
Improve YOU!
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race. Philippians 3:13-14.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life.
What can you add to your life that will strengthen your mental fortitude?
Deepen your spiritual faith and resolve?
Improve your physical health?
What if you got up 10 minutes earlier than you usually do?
5 hours more a month. 60 hours in a year.
10 minutes more of-
Reading?
Praying?
Internalize scripture?
Working out?
Studying?
Time with spouse, child?
Listening?
Observing?
Maybe, instead of time, it is disciplining yourself to adding more fruit and vegetables every day. More water and less soda. More reading or quiet time and less television. Whatever it may be, intentionally add positive and, consequently, negative will be decreased.
When you intentionally increase with small, but consistent, disciplines into your life you are transforming your mind, body and spirit to a sharper, stronger level.
Small disciplines exercised every day produce new, healthier and stronger habits.
It will increase your resolve, confidence and optimism.
It also will begin to decrease unhealthy habits in your life.
Honor God with an ever increasing healthier and more disciplined life. It will bless you!
Intentionally, today…and everyday…… improve YOU
Resources at https://www.mtreppel.com/
True Life Abundant 