Category: hope

Transformation

~ alisonfenning ~ 2 Comments

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Every day we have the opportunity to change. Changing our mindsets and attitudes eventually changes the state of our hearts and leads to transformation. Many of us like the idea of change but can’t seem to pull it off. I have worked alongside men and women seeking change for ten years and indeed have had my own battles with wanting transformation of the heart; it is not an easy quest.

This is where embracing Jesus Christ as a person and his way can lead us onto the path of transformation. Jesus walked the path of right living and so he knows how to do it therefore having an active relationship with him can direct us as we seek change.

Transformational change is a process and not a quick fix miracle cure. We often want the quick fix but we would miss the lessons on the way. The disciples who lived with Jesus went through a three year challenged to change process. Daily Jesus challenged them on attitudes and mindsets by modelling a different way to think and live. Working to renew our mind means working to a daily recovery action plan. This helps to set us free from old habits, attitudes and mindsets that are infiltrating our hearts and prayer is the icing on the cake.

By now you maybe asking where do I begin with designing a daily recovery plan. A great place is to become aware of what areas you would like to be changed. This can be done through prayerfully asking Jesus. Over the years I have asked Jesus to pin point areas where I need to soften in my heart to be more like him in my ways. If we notice what we dislike in others then realise we are probably acting the same. Then we have an area that could be transformed.

inspiration-again-1383695Daily taking one day at a time begin to practice living from a different platform. The teachings of Jesus and the New Testament form foundation for that platform. So get digging to see how Jesus dealt with life and do that. Ask questions of the Bible looking for the how to do mindset / attitude as you head out on the process.

Lasting transformation of the heart comes through Gods divine ability working on the inside and our engagement with that process in a practical way. Lets hot up our personal prayer life and watch our transformation begin.

STOP IT!

~ alisonfenning ~ Leave a comment

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Just wondering today who you maybe trying to please? Are you really living the life you have designed or are you living by the standards and expectations of others. Living from the foundation of other people’s expectations can prevent you ever living the dream you may hold in your heart.

From my perspective of being in the ministry people are always trying to put their own agendas and expectations on me and when I can’t live up to them this leads to disappointment on their part and a sense of failure on mine. So the best option is not to entertain others expectations but live by vision that given by God.

There are three boundaries that we will need to implement if we are to stop living through others expectations.

1. Gain the vision of God for your life. Position yourself with the mindset that God has a plan for me and I need to find out what that is. Listening prayer will is a means of God communicating and tuning into your hearts true longings. He will get the vision to you that is His responsibility. Positioning comes through prayer.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2. Stop allowing everyone to put his or her agenda/ expectation on you.Jesus recommends that we “Come unto me, all of you who labor and are forced to bear burdens, and I shall give you rest” Matthew11: 28. He also claimed that he would place on us His burden that is light and easy. So we can identify the difference between living through Gods vision and others expectations.

3. Get some self-respect, if we can’t respect ourselves no one else will. We must be really good at saying NO more often, as we do so we will learn the valuable lesson that people will still like us. Jesus has asked us to “love others as we love ourselves” Matthew22: 29. We will only be able to respect and love others when we learn to appreciate ourselves more.

So God is calling us to STOP living everyone else’s life and discern your own calling then walk it out. Have the courage to follow Gods plan and you will notice a lighter step in your walk. Make some changes in your mind and follow your God given dream.