Today, I would like for you to reflect, journal and share your stories of FAITH.
Write a short testimony of your experience with FAITH, in any area of your life, and share how you matured spiritually through that experience.
This is exactly what I did while writing "Bringing Forth Virtue".
The benefits of journal writing are endless! You can experience growth in your personal relationship with God, increase your FAITH and form a vision for your future.
Happy Journaling!
You are welcome to email me if you have any questions regarding today's assignment.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-3
Prayer: Lord, we are thankful for our personal relationship with you. Help us to notice that you are working in our lives according to your purpose and plans for us. We will continue to follow your path and notice the progression from where we once were, to who we are becoming in our identity through you, as we journal today.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Preparing to Birth your Dreams
Preparing to Birth your Dreams
Are your dreams thriving with the heartbeat of God? Or are you self-sustaining your own dreams?
Perhaps, you may even wonder what will become of your Dreams.
Well, I can tell you that when we receive a God-inspired dream the heart of it begins to form, beat with life, develop and continue to mature through a gradual process until birth.
The rhythm of our dreams in comparison to an embryo’s heartbeat can be detected before the heart is fully formed during the very early stages of development. This is exactly what pumps blood through the circulatory system delivering oxygen and nutrients to the organs that depend upon each other to function as a whole unit.
So, as I reflect upon this statement it helps me to further understand that my dreams receive nourishment and nutrients right from the heart of the Father, God himself, who has the power to keep our dreams vibrant with life, purpose and vision.
Today as we discuss the 3 stages of birth (birthing our dreams), determine where the heartbeat of your dream first originated…as either the heart of the Father, God himself, or by your own self support system?
The 1st stage of birth is Labor: During this process we began to transition from being comfortable to uncomfortable, things may even seem chaotic at this time because of change.
2nd stage of birth is Pushing: The pain of being uncomfortable may intensify. However, the baby (our dream) is beginning to reveal itself, showing it’s identity, purpose, character, etc .
The 3rd stage of birth is Afterbirth: Be confident that God will complete what He has started in you. (Philippians 1:6)
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9
Prayer: Lord, I pray that we are confident in knowing that you will complete the work that you have begun in us.
Resources: For more on this topic you may also want to visit:
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/
click Media-Message Archive: Series: Topic:
Are your dreams thriving with the heartbeat of God? Or are you self-sustaining your own dreams?
Perhaps, you may even wonder what will become of your Dreams.
Well, I can tell you that when we receive a God-inspired dream the heart of it begins to form, beat with life, develop and continue to mature through a gradual process until birth.
The rhythm of our dreams in comparison to an embryo’s heartbeat can be detected before the heart is fully formed during the very early stages of development. This is exactly what pumps blood through the circulatory system delivering oxygen and nutrients to the organs that depend upon each other to function as a whole unit.
So, as I reflect upon this statement it helps me to further understand that my dreams receive nourishment and nutrients right from the heart of the Father, God himself, who has the power to keep our dreams vibrant with life, purpose and vision.
Today as we discuss the 3 stages of birth (birthing our dreams), determine where the heartbeat of your dream first originated…as either the heart of the Father, God himself, or by your own self support system?
The 1st stage of birth is Labor: During this process we began to transition from being comfortable to uncomfortable, things may even seem chaotic at this time because of change.
2nd stage of birth is Pushing: The pain of being uncomfortable may intensify. However, the baby (our dream) is beginning to reveal itself, showing it’s identity, purpose, character, etc .
The 3rd stage of birth is Afterbirth: Be confident that God will complete what He has started in you. (Philippians 1:6)
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9
Prayer: Lord, I pray that we are confident in knowing that you will complete the work that you have begun in us.
Resources: For more on this topic you may also want to visit:
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/
click Media-Message Archive: Series: Topic:
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Can you hear me God?
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer…Page 27 (Psalm 4:1-8)
Have you ever wanted to ask the question…Can you hear me God?
Well, let’s just say that the effects of distress can be rippling. It can cause a tidal wave carrying great pain, anxiety and sorrow to rush up against the winds of peace.
A peace that has a confident trust in God; this is what we will rely on during the ride of the tidal waves.
The crashing of these waters leads me right into the discussion of labor. Labor can easily cause distress. In the moments leading up to the time that a mother’s water breaks the process can become both exciting and intense.
This analogy of birthing a newborn is also representative to those of us who are carrying our dreams, aspirations, and greatest expectations that we hope to one day see accomplished/birthed. During this process we must continue to apply our F.A.I.T.H.S.
I- We must continue to prayerfully seek the heart of God as we stand on his promises during our times of distress. Yes, he does hear us and that is a great relief. Let’s continue to converse with God and follow the path that he provides for us.
In the meantime, while were waiting to hear from God, let’s hide his word in our hearts so that we want sin against Him…Psalm 119:11, NLT
Small Group Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9
Prayer: Lord, I pray that we confidently know that you listen to us when we call to you.
Resources: For more on this topic you may also want to visit:
Watch: http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/audio/three-dimensions-of-prayer
Listen: http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/three-dimensions-of-prayer#
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com,/
click Media-Message Archive: Series- Conversations with God, Topic – Three dimensions of Prayer… Page 31
Have you ever wanted to ask the question…Can you hear me God?
Well, let’s just say that the effects of distress can be rippling. It can cause a tidal wave carrying great pain, anxiety and sorrow to rush up against the winds of peace.
A peace that has a confident trust in God; this is what we will rely on during the ride of the tidal waves.
The crashing of these waters leads me right into the discussion of labor. Labor can easily cause distress. In the moments leading up to the time that a mother’s water breaks the process can become both exciting and intense.
This analogy of birthing a newborn is also representative to those of us who are carrying our dreams, aspirations, and greatest expectations that we hope to one day see accomplished/birthed. During this process we must continue to apply our F.A.I.T.H.S.
I- We must continue to prayerfully seek the heart of God as we stand on his promises during our times of distress. Yes, he does hear us and that is a great relief. Let’s continue to converse with God and follow the path that he provides for us.
In the meantime, while were waiting to hear from God, let’s hide his word in our hearts so that we want sin against Him…Psalm 119:11, NLT
Small Group Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9
Prayer: Lord, I pray that we confidently know that you listen to us when we call to you.
Resources: For more on this topic you may also want to visit:
Watch: http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/audio/three-dimensions-of-prayer
Listen: http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/three-dimensions-of-prayer#
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com,/
click Media-Message Archive: Series- Conversations with God, Topic – Three dimensions of Prayer… Page 31
Friday, February 3, 2012
FAITH
FAITH, page 23
The seed of my salvation continued to grow through the matriculation of FAITH.
How would you define FAITH?
According to Hebrews 11:1, Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
The bible is full of God's promises for our lives, and it also shares many stories about others who have exercised their faith. I will begin by defining faith as a small seed emerging into a thought, then a hope that grows into a dream that has fully matured into a physical/outward appearance that can now be seen.
For example, many of you may have heard about the illustration of how the chair was created. First, it was simply a thought that was taken into action when a person began to create and develope it into existence. Whenever you sit in a chair it's clearly a reminder of faith.
Faith has many shapes and forms, especially when we consider the following list:
- Believing God takes FAITH...Genesis 15:6
- Only a small amount of FAITH is needed...Luke 17:6
- FAITH is needed for salvation...Romans 3:28
- FAITH comes from hearing the Word of God...Romans 10:17
- Accept the person who has weak FAITH...Romans 14:1
- Christianity is the only true FAITH...Ephesians 4:5
- FAITH is hoping in what is not seen...Hebrews11:1
- FAITH accompanies obedience to God...Hebrews 11:7-12
However, today I invite us to take a closer look at FAITH that is needed for our salvation...page xv
At each stage of our spiritual development we exercise our FAITH for spiritual growth.
While writing this book God helped me to think of it this way, F.A.I.T.H.S.
1. Faithfully work out the seed (faith), of your salvation through spiritual growth (a stage in the process of salvation) and development (the act, process, or result of being saved) .
Yes, but How?
2. Acquire a personal relationship with God, as his adopted (He chose you as his)- sons and daughters.
Yes, but How?
3. Intercede (seek Jesus) prayerfully during the months (a measure of time), seasons (time during your circumstance/problem) and timing of spiritual births (the emergence or your spiritual growth, gifts, talents, ideas, dreams, solutions, etc.).
Yes, but How?
4. Travail through a difficult experience or situation and overcome prematurity (don't give up to quickly), complications (don't allow problems to stop your progress of FAITH), barenness (don't stop producing the fruit of the spirit-patience, kindness, etc.), and death (don't stop believing).
Yes, but How?
5. Honor those in spiritual authority by virtue (conduct that agrees with what is morally right) of God's promise (a reason to have an expectation).
Yes, but How?
6. Seed (F.A.I.T.H.S.) of salvation has now matured in Christ Jesus.
Yes, but How?
The story of the woman with the issue of blood listed in Matthew 9 provides one of my favorite examples of FAITH and healing. Let's view this chapter together and answer the questions above as it applies to her life story.
For example
1. She was faithful to believe in Jesus as the son of God (salvation), and his teachings led her to develope spirtually as she believed that his power, promises and ability to heal could all result in her receiving healing for her body.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9
Prayer: Lord, I pray that I pursue you intimately and wholeheartedly, while never looking behind on what I tried to build for myself out of self-centeredness (selfishness), but that I long to love you more than myself, my desires, my dreams and my plans.
Resources: For more on this topic you may also want to visit: http://www.churchofthehighlands.com,/
click Media-Message Archive: Series- In the World of Perfect, Topic- Perfect Faith page 23
The seed of my salvation continued to grow through the matriculation of FAITH.
How would you define FAITH?
According to Hebrews 11:1, Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
The bible is full of God's promises for our lives, and it also shares many stories about others who have exercised their faith. I will begin by defining faith as a small seed emerging into a thought, then a hope that grows into a dream that has fully matured into a physical/outward appearance that can now be seen.
For example, many of you may have heard about the illustration of how the chair was created. First, it was simply a thought that was taken into action when a person began to create and develope it into existence. Whenever you sit in a chair it's clearly a reminder of faith.
Faith has many shapes and forms, especially when we consider the following list:
- Believing God takes FAITH...Genesis 15:6
- Only a small amount of FAITH is needed...Luke 17:6
- FAITH is needed for salvation...Romans 3:28
- FAITH comes from hearing the Word of God...Romans 10:17
- Accept the person who has weak FAITH...Romans 14:1
- Christianity is the only true FAITH...Ephesians 4:5
- FAITH is hoping in what is not seen...Hebrews11:1
- FAITH accompanies obedience to God...Hebrews 11:7-12
However, today I invite us to take a closer look at FAITH that is needed for our salvation...page xv
At each stage of our spiritual development we exercise our FAITH for spiritual growth.
While writing this book God helped me to think of it this way, F.A.I.T.H.S.
1. Faithfully work out the seed (faith), of your salvation through spiritual growth (a stage in the process of salvation) and development (the act, process, or result of being saved) .
Yes, but How?
2. Acquire a personal relationship with God, as his adopted (He chose you as his)- sons and daughters.
Yes, but How?
3. Intercede (seek Jesus) prayerfully during the months (a measure of time), seasons (time during your circumstance/problem) and timing of spiritual births (the emergence or your spiritual growth, gifts, talents, ideas, dreams, solutions, etc.).
Yes, but How?
4. Travail through a difficult experience or situation and overcome prematurity (don't give up to quickly), complications (don't allow problems to stop your progress of FAITH), barenness (don't stop producing the fruit of the spirit-patience, kindness, etc.), and death (don't stop believing).
Yes, but How?
5. Honor those in spiritual authority by virtue (conduct that agrees with what is morally right) of God's promise (a reason to have an expectation).
Yes, but How?
6. Seed (F.A.I.T.H.S.) of salvation has now matured in Christ Jesus.
Yes, but How?
The story of the woman with the issue of blood listed in Matthew 9 provides one of my favorite examples of FAITH and healing. Let's view this chapter together and answer the questions above as it applies to her life story.
For example
1. She was faithful to believe in Jesus as the son of God (salvation), and his teachings led her to develope spirtually as she believed that his power, promises and ability to heal could all result in her receiving healing for her body.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9
Prayer: Lord, I pray that I pursue you intimately and wholeheartedly, while never looking behind on what I tried to build for myself out of self-centeredness (selfishness), but that I long to love you more than myself, my desires, my dreams and my plans.
Resources: For more on this topic you may also want to visit: http://www.churchofthehighlands.com,/
click Media-Message Archive: Series- In the World of Perfect, Topic- Perfect Faith page 23
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Welcome to "Bringing Forth Virtue," where you can experience FAITH and Birth your destiny!
I will post regularly on Saturdays and respond to post at other times throughout the week during this time that is dedicated to our Small Group Study....
Please visit the tabs for any additional information.
I look forward to the opportunity to fellowhip with you!
I will post regularly on Saturdays and respond to post at other times throughout the week during this time that is dedicated to our Small Group Study....
Please visit the tabs for any additional information.
I look forward to the opportunity to fellowhip with you!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
She Speaks Scholarship
God uses the least of these…
I’m beginning to see the wisdom in God’s timing... (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Now, I’m evolving into a wife of noble character who opens my arms to the poor and extends my hands to the needy. However, I also seek to speak with wisdom and faithful instruction on my tongue at all times, especially during times of outreach. Thankfully, Proverbs 31 Ministries can help me at their upcoming She Speaks Conference http://shespeaksconference.com/, July 22-24, 2011, with a scholarship opportunity http://shespeaksconference.com/blog/, that has been offered for women who are called to write, speak and/or lead other women for ministry. I have chosen to enter the contest because it provides an opportunity for me to better serve others along my journey.
The expressions of my sympathy and compassion to help those in need were birthed through a personal experience that I share in a publication entitled, Bringing Forth Virtue. I realize that writing provides an opportunity for women to hear God’s voice one story at a time. I desire to encourage others through writing and inspirational keynotes to share their stories of faith with individuals who are suffering, and when we do, we grow in our own faith as well (Psalm 37:4). My prayer is for my readers to earnestly seek after God; to walk with God to their next places of promise and to awaken to their God-sized call in such a way that they begin to change the world.
Reflections of my life journey transpire from a young girl of selfish dreams into a Proverbs 31 woman who is clothed with strength and dignity to accomplish her God- ordained dream in EXCELLENCY with the help of Proverbs 31 Ministries (Proverbs 31:25). Thanks for your consideration!
God led me to use my recent publication, Bringing Forth Virtue, published in April 2010, as a tool to empower other women who are experiencing hardship or suffering with knowledge that they can overcome with the blood of the Lamb and the words of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). Hopefully, my readers will become motivated to share their triumphant testimony with others so that they may overcome and Bring Forth Virtue as well. My efforts first began at home writing, and sharing with those in my proximity, then the Lord led me to volunteer at the March of Dimes foundation to promote journaling exercises that lead to healing and restoration. Now, my efforts have begun to expand once more after my husband and I received our assignment from God upon concluding 21 days of prayer and fasting with our church during January, 2011. Excitingly, part of this assignment led me to volunteer at the Dream Center, in Birmingham, AL, a ministry of The Church of the Highlands. My heart is eager to extend hope and words of restoration to women who attend The Crisis Pregnancy Center onsite at the Dream Center.
Why…because God uses the least of these to bring forth his Glory and Virtue…reference, 2 Peter 1:3; Matthew 25:40.
Scholarship Candidate,
Ana Gilleylen
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A "Sweet Aroma" to the Lord!
This year, let’s celebrate the one who loved us first, this Valentine's Day!
What will you do to prepare? Initially, I thought of the usual ways to honor him, but when I read Ephesians 5:2 last night- it communicates that we should- “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.” Let’s think about that as we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
The revelation was quite clear while reading my life principles yearly bible, which states, "True love reaches out! True love gives itself sacrificially!" This is what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross for our sins so that we would be reconciled unto God. Jesus was eager to obey His Father and when we follow His example we become a sweet aroma to the Lord demonstrating where the desires of our heart truly reside. A heart to fulfill his purpose in eager obedience!
The answer to part of our purpose is revealed in Colossians 1:28 (Amplified Bible)
(Share comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).
Our obedience is a sweet aroma to the Lord, according to Leviticus 1:17, "It is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord."
Enjoy Valentine's Day with your first true love!
What will you do to prepare? Initially, I thought of the usual ways to honor him, but when I read Ephesians 5:2 last night- it communicates that we should- “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.” Let’s think about that as we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
The revelation was quite clear while reading my life principles yearly bible, which states, "True love reaches out! True love gives itself sacrificially!" This is what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross for our sins so that we would be reconciled unto God. Jesus was eager to obey His Father and when we follow His example we become a sweet aroma to the Lord demonstrating where the desires of our heart truly reside. A heart to fulfill his purpose in eager obedience!
The answer to part of our purpose is revealed in Colossians 1:28 (Amplified Bible)
(Share comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).
Our obedience is a sweet aroma to the Lord, according to Leviticus 1:17, "It is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord."
Enjoy Valentine's Day with your first true love!
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