No Greater Love- Smokie Norful

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Comforting to know how much God Loves Us

"You may look at me from the outside 
And think I got here on my own 
But there's no way that you could ever know 
How much grace and mercy I’ve been shown" 

"His name is Jesus and he loves me 
And I know this cause he died for me 
And he rescued me there is no greater 
Love in the world"

Talk Yourself Into It- Pastor Steven Furtick

My small group this past week has been studying the power of words! A couple days ago, I came across this message from Elevation Church, Pastor Steven Furtick called "Talk Yourself Into It". This message went hand in hand with our lesson. I was able to find a lot of freedom and power in it and I'm thankful God led me to it at the time he did, being I've been struggling in this area for the past couple months. 

We all have heard and know this truth/verse "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue" Proverbs 18:21. 

How many of us actually believe our words are really powerful? How many of us are actually intentional daily with speaking life? How many of us truly believe we have the power to shape our destiny by the words we choose to speak? How many of us are even aware of how much death we speak on a daily basis to ourselves and others? 

I would say over the past few years, I've known how powerful my words are but sometimes it's easy to not stay consistent in speaking positive ones. These past couple months, I feel like I've forgotten this entire truth and allowed my feelings to really reign over my life. It's like I forgot I had the power to change how I felt with the words I chose to speak or even listen to. It's been exhausting. It's truly consumed me. I've learned it's so easy to be led by our feelings and stay stuck there. It's easy to stay stuck in feeling like your life should be different instead of embracing it for what it is right now. It's easy to stay stuck in regret of a decision that you made and be consumed with the past. It's easy to continue to listen to the discouraging thoughts about yourself and about what others may think of you. 

 This message, "Talk Yourself Into It" however, has been my alarm clock. It has definitely woke me up and changed my mindset. I've listened to this at least four times and plan to continue to listen to it. BNspired to check it out and "Talk Yourself Into It"

Key Points from the Message

• Deuteronomy 31:7-8- Moses talking to Joshua telling him "Be Strong & Courageous"
• Joshua 1:6-9- God talking to Joshua telling him the same thing but also telling him HOW!
• Discouragement is a decision we make. It's a conversation we have with ourselves.
• We spend to much time listening to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves. 
• God's presence is guaranteed but His promises are optional. He'll always be with us but how far we go and what promises we choose to believe is up to us!
• Joshua 1:8: "Keep this book of the law on your lips and mediate on it day and night"
• Your life will follow the direction of your conversations with yourself and others. 
• Your courage comes from your conversation with yourself as well as your fear/discouragement. 
• Being a Spiritual Mature Adult includes learning how to ENCOURAGE YOURSELF!
• Fight fear and discouragement with the Word! Have a go to phrase!
• CHRIST IS IN ME, I AM ENOUGH

Top Worship Songs To Check Out Right Now!

You ever hear a worship song and it just overwhelms you? I do all the time. Some songs have overwhelmed me in such a way that brings me to tears, causes me to stop everything and pray, or makes me keep that song on repeat for the rest of the day. Check out a few of my top worship songs I've been listening to lately. I hope they inspire, overwhelm, and bless you as much as they do me!

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1. Highlands Worship- Glory of The Cross

2. William Murphy- Everlasting God

3. River Valley Worship- No Wonder

4. William Murphy- Free In Deed

5. Hollyn- Steady Me 

6. Casey J- I'm Yours

Hunger & Thirst- Notes from Church!

I can't really describe how amazing it was to be back at church this past Sunday. I've been on the road a full week for work and couldn't wait to get to Highlands! Truly refreshing feeling and atmosphere. Check out the notes from the message yesterday about having a hunger and thirst for God and righteousness! I hope it inspires you as much as it did me. 

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Kierra Sheard - Free

This Song has literally been on repeat the last few days. BNspired to listen and worship! 

My redeemer has saved me from sin

My soul is awakened, I live

Free from what held me

Free from what fought me

Mentally, you've captured me

In my mind

I am free

In my heart

If I am yours

I am free

Where the spirit of the lord our god

Is at rest there is freedom

You can be freed from bondage and healed from brokenness

 and full of joy
Be free...

My Devotion was so inspiring today. If you have time please read, 1 Samuel 8 &9, John 6:22-42, Psalm 106:32-48, & Proverbs 14

Then Check Out The Devotional Below!

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Shine On Us // William Matthews // Have It All Official Lyric Video

Check Out Bethel Music New Album "Have It All"

Below Is One Of My Favorite Worship Songs

"Shine On Us"

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Trusting God

This was my devotion yesterday morning that really blessed me and encouraged me. The bible readings came from Judges 19 and 20, John 3 and 4, Psalm 104, and Proverbs 14.

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Daily Devotional

by Larry Stockstill

Is it possible to be doing the right thing and still seem to be losing the battle? The Lord himself had commissioned the men of Israel, saying, "Go out and fight against them" (Judges 20:23). The Israelites' battle was in retaliation for Benjamin's wickedness. You would think that God would have instantly given the Israelites victory. Instead, they were defeated twice before they finally prevailed!

How important it is not to interpret one lost battle as meaning that God is not with you! Satan may win a battle, but he won't win the war. You are fighting the Lord's battles, not your own. Casualties often occur in war, but victory is sure to come to the one who keeps inquiring of the Lord. Once, then twice, then a third time, the Israelites regrouped and sought the Lord. They knew their cause was just and that the war was not over until they had won.

Never doubt in the darkness what God told you in the light. If God told you to do something for Him, it will succeed. He knows the enemy's strategy and will give you the victory in the end!

Order My Steps

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Glory To Glory // William Matthews // Have It All Official Lyric Video

This song has been in my spirit the past few days. I pray you enjoy it!

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Pastor Jamil Gilleylen- Woodlawn Campus- Church of the Highlands

This Post BLESSED My Life! 

Please take some time to read below. 

Before you possess your biggest promise, you will often encounter your toughest challenge. Many times, we have great expectations for what God is going to do and for what He has promised, but as we wait for His promise to be fulfilled, all we can see are the challenges we are currently facing. 

The Israelites found themselves in this very situation, facing a long, difficult 40 years of wandering in the wilderness while knowing God had promised they would live in the Promised Land. Moses gave the Israelites great instruction that we all can learn from when preparing to overcome life’s toughest challenges in pursuit of God’s promises. 

He said in Deuteronomy 11:22, “…to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him and to hold fast to Him.” The three keys that will keep us moving through our problems and allow us to see the fulfillment of the promises of God are Loving, Walking and Holding. 

I want to encourage you that no matter what challenge you are facing today, growing in your love for God and choosing to Love those around you, even those who may be difficult to love, will strengthen you and help you persevere. Additionally, you need the support and encouragement of others in the midst of trial, so be sure to Walk through your difficulty in community. 

The Israelites made it through their toughest challenges together. This is why I love our small groups here at Highlands - they provide you with a place to connect with others who will pray for you and encourage you as you progress through your problems and into God’s promises. 

Lastly, Hold on to the promise. Remind yourself that no promise from God will ever fail. The Word says: blessed are those who believe that the Lord will fulfill His promises to them! 

What promises are you believing for God to fulfill?

Which people are you surrounding yourself with who will help you endure until you see that promise fulfilled?

#HighlandsWL #HighlandsSmallGroups

Pause

Sometimes we all need this pause moment. 

Prayer Goes A Lonnnggg Way! 

BNspired to add more "Pause/Pray" moments into your daily life.

Testimony- Life Is So Much Better When You Put Him First

I can't express how faithful God has been to me. Whenever you're faced with disappointments, frustrations, or worries, think back to the times God came through for you. If you can just think back and remember how good and faithful he was to you in the past, it will definitely help you get through whatever situation you're facing. I just had this happen to me a week or so ago. It's so easy to get upset or worry about things when something doesn't go according to OUR plans. The lesson I learned was to continue to trust him and remember his faithfulness before. I also learned that true worship will give you a new sense of hope like never before. I recently faced some adversity in my life where I became super frustrated and worried about my future. I was thinking so much into the details of what was to come. 

One morning while I was reading my devotion, I came across the story where Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha. 

38As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."

This was definitely a true encounter with God for me. I could see myself in the story. I was so worried about all the details, just like Martha. I quickly changed my thoughts from worrying to worshipping. I felt a true sense of peace afterwards. Long story short, God worked everything out for my good. He showed up for me in a major way and I'm forever grateful for his faithfulness. That encounter with him changed so much for me. I'm so thankful for how my relationship with him is continuously growing! 
Key Words: Remember, Faithful, Worship 
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Proverbs 12-14

How often do you affirm yourself? How often do you "Speak Life" into your situations? Be Encouraged Today. Proverbs 12:14 says "People can get many things by the words they say; the work of their hands also gives many benefits. Words are powerful. BNspired to affirm yourself and speak life daily and watch how your life changes for the better! Here are some of my morning affirmations I say aloud everyday along with many others. 

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Jesus

The resurrection of Jesus gives you the power to close the gap between the life you are living and the life you could live. 

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Facebook Inspiration

Came Across this post last week and wanted to share it with you guys. Build Someone up today and most importantly BNspired to build yourself up as well!!

Uncommon Communication- Notes

This Uncommon Series on Relationships have been such a blessing to my life! Here are my notes to part 3, Uncommon Communication. Here is the link to view this message. 

BNspired!!!

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/uncommon-communication

1st Wednesday- Expand Your Capacity by Craig Groeschel

I attended 1st Wednesday this month and it was amazing. Please if you have time, click on the link and watch the video below. Check out my notes below as well. 

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/expand-your-capacity

Best Decision!

March 6, 2016, I decided to get water baptized. If any of you are like me, you probably got baptized in your early childhood years. I was around 8 years old when I got baptized. "Why did you decide to do it again?" That's a great question. I simply wanted a fresh start and felt God tugging at my heart to do it. I've been attending Church of the Highlands for about 6 months or so and I've always had a feeling that I needed to get baptized and truly give my all to God. I've also fallen in love with this Church. I've been a true believer for awhile, but never have truly given him my all. I now desire to go deeper. I desire to pursue my relationship with Him more than ever. While walking up to the church, doubts began to fill my entire being because of the water tub sitting outside in front. I thought to myself, "I have to do this in front of everyone?" I was super nervous and even thought about not doing it. I said a prayer to myself once I got in the building and asked God to give me the courage I needed to go through with the baptism. He did just that and then some. My best friend who was there, decided to get baptized as well. She was only going to stay for the support, but felt she needed to do it as well. It was amazing. I'm so thankful for the example Jesus set for us & I'm even more thankful that he gives us a fresh start. 

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Instagram Inspiration

Seen this the other day and it really spoke to me! 

"What is meant for you will not pass you, and what misses you was never meant for you." 

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Uncommon Commitment

Here are my notes from Pt. 2 of Church of The Highlands UN/Common Series!

Check them out below and also please go watch the service at https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/uncommon-commitment

This series is really blessing my life! 

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TGIM | WINNERS WIN & LOSERS LOSE

I've been listening to this over and over the past view days. BNspired to check it out! ET always come with a ton of inspiration.

 Share this video with someone!!

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UNcommon Love Pt. 1 Notes!

Here are my notes from Part. 1 of the UNcommon series that's going on at Church of The Highlands! I pray they bless your life as much as they have mine!

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Uncommon - Uncommon Love

CHRIS HODGES : FEBRUARY 14, 2016

Uncommon

(Romans 12:1-2 MSG) So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

The 3:16 Principle

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Choosing to believe and accept Jesus and inviting him to live in our heart gives us access to Gods Love! Jesus Christ is everything we need to get access to love of another kind!

✓ God’s love is Unconditional .

It's steadfast and unfailing. His love is what can heal the broken wounds in our lives.

✓ God’s love is Sacrificial .

He gave his son! He committed love towards us through sacrifice! We have to be willing to sacrifice.

✓ God’s love is Personable! .

Jesus came to earth in human form to show us God's Love!

✓ God’s love is Accessible .

We need to look to him for what the definition is. He is love!

It's not reserved for anyone. It's for all of us who believe! John 3:16

✓ God’s love is Acceptable! .

(1 John 4:9-12, 16, 19) This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. We love because he first loved us.

*The secret of love is being Loved by God.

Our 1st step towards Love is not towards them but towards HIM!

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

*The secret of love is showing God's love to others.

Showing God’s Uncommon Love

1. Say it.

*Tell people You Love Them! "I Love You" also tell them you forgive them. *"I forgive You" 

*If you love greatly, you'll have to forgive greatly as well!

*People need to hear "I Love You" 

*Say It A lot

2. Write it.

It's power in writing things! Letters, deep text messages, Write out how much you love someone!

"Hey man, thought about you today..Love you"

3. Give it.

Small gifts go a long way! They say.. you are so important I stopped my day to think about you.

These things can save your life, relationships, marriage, etc.

4. Forgive it.

We are never more like Jesus than when we forgive!

5. Live it.

God, Help me to love everyone that you put in my path and in front of me.

(Romans 12:15 AMP) Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].

(1 Corinthians 13:13) And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.