Positively Sage

Fill 'Er Up Please!

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:19:00 +0000

February 2010 Edition

Have you ever felt like you were low on “fuel?” – Like you just can’t muster up enough energy to accomplish all that you have to do? Have you ever felt like your spirit was low? Just kind of “down and like your get up and go, got up and went?”

Well, this is pretty much how I felt in the early part of January, 2010. So much so, that for the first time in nearly two years (since I launched www.positive-talk.com), I stepped away from the site and didn’t even post new stories for January 2010.
Did I feel guilty? You betcha!

And I secretly worried that you would “forget” about the site. I even pondered whether or not to continue the site.

I suppose I was just going through my usual post-holiday blahs…tired from all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE Christmas and look forward to it with great enthusiasm each year. Celebrating the birth of Jesus and sharing in all of the wonderful things that go along with Christmas is something I relish. But it can be wonderful and exhausting all at once.

In early January, I found myself trying to “fill my emotional, physical and spiritual tank,” all by myself -- but to no avail. Then it hit me!

I need more of Jesus and less of me! Instead of trying to be superwoman and fill my own tank – I need to reach out and ask the Lord to fill me up again. I need to lean on Him and stop trying to “do it all” in my own strength.

I began to soak up God’s word more and more each day – devoting more time to reading what God had to say in the Bible, I meditated (prayed) more each day, I invited God’s Holy presence to fill my spirit and speak to my soul…and I listened to what God wanted to say to my spirit.
As I listened, prayed, read, and pulled closer to God – I also asked that He just give me energy, I asked that he renew my spirit and my body in a whole new way. I asked that He guide me and show me the purpose He has for my life.

One of the many awesome things about God is that He NEVER gets tired! You can draw on His strength whenever you need it and the “fuel” He provides only comes in a premium grade.
Isaiah Chapter 40 verses 29-31: He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I LOVE that! I don’t know about you, but I want to soar on wings like eagles! The image of a soaring eagle gives me strength! That’s who I want to be. If only I will remember not to try to “fill my own tank.”
I need God – today, tomorrow and forever.

If you feel weary, if there is a “battle” you are facing – I want to encourage you to remember that you are not alone and that God is ready to fill you up. It requires that we empty out our soul and our spirit and replenish, re-energize and revitalize with God’s Holy spirit. If we do that – He promises we will run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint and we will soar on wings like eagles. God Bless You.

Celebrating the Prince of Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:46:00 +0000

December 2009

When my daughter was born, I KNEW I had been given a precious and priceless gift.

When I found Jesus years later, I KNEW I had been given another precious and priceless gift. It forever changed the way I look at my life and the lives of those around me. And Christmas – well, Christmas became even more special to me than it was already.

What a precious and wonderful gift we’ve been given – Jesus.

However, I realize that not everyone shares this “feeling.” This became very clear to me during a food shopping excursion this week.

After nine years of shopping in the same grocery store, I know nearly every employee by first name. I exchange polite conversation with many of them, including one employee who usually has a big smile to share as he prepares the meat and chicken in his department. However, this day things were different. When I said, hello and asked how he was doing, he replied. “I can’t wait until Christmas is over!”

I was taken back for a moment, but managed to close my wide-open mouth as he continued to explain to me that Christmas was just a holiday for people to sell and buy things and that all his grandkids did on Christmas was mess up his house.

I politely explained to him that, THAT is why we must focus on the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus, the gift of eternal life that He has given to those of us who believe in Him as Lord and Savior, and that Christmas offers us a wonderful chance to celebrate life, family and love.

He didn’t want to hear any of it. As I wished him a good day and pushed my cart out of the meat department, I felt such a heaviness weighing down on my heart. I just met a real life Ebeneezer Scrooge and I felt so very sad for him, for his family, and for his grandchildren who are little now but will grow up more quickly than his own children did.

That man has missed the point entirely! If we allow Christmas to JUST be about buying, wrapping, giving, cooking and cleaning, then we have really missed the boat!

Yes, it’s a busy time of year, yes there is pressure to buy, buy, buy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If we will pull back from the hustle and bustle, we can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of the Prince of Peace. That's what Christmas is truely about.

I have included some Scripture for you to read below. I encourage you to read the New Testament each day and celebrate our Lord and Savior in a whole new way. God Bless You.

Luke 2:1-14
Jesus is Born in Bethlehem
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (KJV)
The Visit of the Shepherds

Luke 2:15-20
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (KJV)

I Once Was Blind But Now I See by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:24:00 +0000

November 2009 Edition

I recently heard it said at my Women’s Bible Study Group that the enemy often hides the “price tag” of sin. In other words, if only we could “turn over” that price tag when we are tempted and see (ahead of time) what the consequences were, we’d put that sin item right back on the shelf and walk away. But Satan is very sly and cunning. He is the father of all lies! So he hides the price tag and instead encourages us to see the lie(s).

Sometimes it’s something big, often times however it’s the “little” things that the enemy enjoys tempting and taunting us with. What do I mean by “little” things?

Well, how about our everyday, walking around language. Do we allow “little” curse words to just pop out of our mouths? We might think it’s not a big deal, but it can keep us from God’s best.

Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version): Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

How about that “little” night-time snack that we know will sabotage our efforts to get healthier? It’s a lie from the enemy and keeping us from God’s best.
What about when we sit on the computer when we should be sitting with our kids playing a board game or “plugging” into them in a meaningful way?

Or, what about if we just “skip” reading God’s word today? The enemy just LOVES when we step away from God’s word.

Satan revels in his ability to keep us from achieving God’s best for our lives. He loves to pull the wool over our heads and keep us in the dark. But we are no longer blind. When we seek God, our vision gets sharper!

Even now as I write this, I know that God’s love and truth are so much more powerful than the enemy and his lies. And God’s light shines brightly enough that we can and will “see” the truth when we seek it.

John 12:46 (NIV): “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

Thank you Jesus that you are the life and the way and the truth. I know there are areas of my life where I fall short of the Glory of God, but I ask you to reveal those areas to me and to those reading this now. I desire to rise up higher and to say and do things that are pleasing to you Father. I want to walk in your light all the days of my life. I praise your Holy name Jesus. Amen.
God bless you!

Ask God to Heal the Broken Places of Your Heart by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:37:00 +0000

October 2009 Edition

When I began a new Women’s Bible Study group last month, I knew that I had major work to do on myself. There is ALWAYS work to do, but I really and truly desire to step into the divine destiny that God has for me. And I know that I cannot accomplish everything that He has planned for me, until I make some changes.

I have to unpack and let go of some baggage. I guess you could say, I need to heal a few broken places of my heart. I’m probably not alone here. If you do some soul searching, you might find that you too have a spot or two that needs healing – the kind that ONLY God can provide.

I don’t know about you, but I want to stretch and grow in new ways. I’m completely hungry for God’s new and exciting plans for my life. Yet in my soul searching, God has told me in that still small voice, that I am still holding on to things that do not benefit me in any way. So I am inviting Him into the deepest parts of my soul and my heart – the parts that only He knows.
God is the potter after all. But in order for Him to mold me, I have to be supple, willing, open and completely pliable in His hands.

Isaiah Chapter 68 verse 8: Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter, we are all the work of your hand.

God is the Maker of all men, and things that ever were, or shall be. When we submit to His ways, we become more like Him and frankly, life is so much easier. I find great comfort knowing that I am not in this thing called “life” alone.

In fact, the Creator of the entire universe is right here with me every step of the way, at every moment of every day. I find that a mind-blowing kind of thought because the universe is pretty big, so I know we serve a really BIG and awesome God!

Why then would any of us ever want to try to accomplish things in our own strength?! And why would we try to accomplish anything without taking it to the Throne first?! Because if it’s not God’s will, I don’t want any part of it anyway!

I stand on His truth that He is a light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet. And I know that God wants me to turn all my disappointments over to Him. Only then can He take my mess and turn it into a blessing. Only then can He take my hurt and turn it into something beautiful.

So, Lord, here I am to worship you, Here I am to turn it all over to you – to heal the cracks and crevices and breaks that are hidden way deep down inside the innermost part of my heart. I give them to you Lord. And today I ask that whomever reads this and needs that same deep-down healing, that you will provide it in an awesome way so that we may give you all of the Glory!

Lord, I pray that you will continue to mold us, shape us and transform us into who You desire us to be. In Jesus name, Amen. God Bless You!

God's Blackboard by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:28:00 +0000

September 2009 Edition

As my daughter, Isabella and her friends headed back to school recently, I was reminded of my own childhood school days and all the trappings that go along with it – cool lunch boxes, No.2 pencils with crazy eraser heads, backpacks and of course my circle of friends who I couldn’t wait to sit with at lunch each day.

I’m also reminded of the huge blackboard that stood front and center in the classroom. It beckoned me to pick up the chalk and write my answers in oversized letters and numbers without ever worrying about making a mistake – all because of the handy little item that went with the blackboard, the ERASER! How simple it was to wipe away my mistakes and start over again.

Now that I’m all grown up, I ponder at the thought of being able to erase the mistakes of my “real” life just as easily. Wouldn’t it be great to take a giant eraser and wipe it across the board of life – all within the frame of a second?

Well, that is EXACTLY what God does for us. When we stumble and fall, as we often do, and we repent, God says, “My child, I forgive you.” Then He wipes the slate clean. He remembers no more.

Hebrews Chapter 8 verse 12: “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

It’s just that simple. Once we repent (desire to change) for our sins (shortcomings), God forgives and forgets. Yet, many of us continue to replay our mistakes over and over again in our head.

Why do we find it so hard to forgive ourselves?

Why do we feel we must “punish” ourselves for mistakes that are over and done with?

If the Creator of the universe forgives us, shouldn’t we forgive ourselves?
It’s time to move forward friend. God wants to give us a fresh start. He wants to give YOU a fresh start.

What a relief that we worship the God of second chances. The Apostle Paul knew the importance of letting go of the past and pressing forward. He knew that Jesus was the Great Redeemer.
Philippians Chapter 3 verse 13-14, Paul said: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

What a glorious thought to know that because of our hope in Christ Jesus, we can forget the mistakes of yesterday and press forward to a life filled with the purpose that we were placed here to accomplish. We don’t have a second to waste.

Mighty is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. I am forgiven. You are forgiven. So press forward toward the victory! Your best days are all out in front of you!

God Bless You!

Let Your Light Shine by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:33:00 +0000

August 2009

Have you ever known someone who just seems to "light up a room" when they walk into it? Or have you ever been around someone who seems to radiate light?

These types of individuals are attractive to be around because they are positive and upbeat. I'm not talking about being a shiny, happy person who hides behind a mask. I'm talking about people who are authentic, caring and Godly.

Matthew Chapter 5 verses 14-16: (New International Version) Jesus said, "You are a light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and hide it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

When we live for Christ, He begins to transform us from the inside out and others take notice. When the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside your heart, it is something that simply cannot and should not be hidden.

As Christians, we don't have to shout our love of Jesus from the rooftop. Rather, our words, deeds and daily living will reflect that there is indeed something "different" about us.

You may remember the children's song, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." As simple as that song is, it speaks volumes about the importance of allowing the Lord's love to radiate and illuminate the world around us.

The fact is, we live in a fallen world that can be a dark and lonely place. How incredible to know God's love and to shine His light like a beacon in the night.

And through His amazing grace, many who once were lost will be found! All because of the Prince of Peace -- the light of the world!

God bless you.

God's Love is Extravagant by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:31:00 +0000

July 2009 Edition

So often we limit ourselves. We limit our blessings with negative thinking, or as some call it, stinking thinking. We think we are not good enough, that we don’t measure up, that we don’t deserve great things to happen to us and for us. Those are lies and those thoughts are not from God.

Not only can we take the limit off of ourselves, but, we serve an awesome, amazing God without any limits who wants to see us live abundantly blessed lives. Since we are His children, we have inherited – through His amazing grace – a love that is overflowing, unrestricted and downright extravagant.

Because of this love, we too are able to love extravagantly, if only we will allow ourselves to do so.

However before we can pour out our love, we must come into relationship with God and understand just how incredible His unending love truly is.
To begin with, God came to earth – incarnated as a human, Jesus Christ. And He went to the cross and paid the ultimate price for our sins. Anyone who is a parent knows the feeling of being ready, willing and able at a moment’s notice to sacrifice your very life if it meant saving your child. Hopefully, that will not ever be the case for you or for me.

But this is exactly what God did for us. In a display of love we cannot even begin to fathom, Jesus sacrificed himself for you and for me.

God loves us exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ever imagine.
1 John Chapter 4 verse 19 (New International Version) “We love because he first loved us.”
God’s love is unconditional, forgiving, healing, nurturing, restorative, and without limits. It’s exactly what you and I need in order to fill that God-shaped hole in our hearts. It’s exactly what we need to live fulfilling, spiritually abundant lives.

And the great news is, it’s there all the time 24/7. God is always on-call, always available, always here to embrace you. He doesn’t take a day off, He’s never too busy for you. He is always ready to listen to you when you call out to Him, when you pray He hears every single word. And His promise is to always be there for you, never to leave you nor forsake you.

That is pretty amazing and completely extravagant. But that’s our God. We are so blessed. We are so loved.

His Love is Everlasting by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sun, 24 May 2009 02:11:00 +0000

June 2009

Deuteronomy Chapter 6 verses 5-6: Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.

Even though God commands us to love Him -- as our Heavenly Father -- he does not “force” us to love Him.

God gave us free will, therefore I believe what pleases Him most is when His children come to Him because they desire a true relationship with Him.

But It takes knowing someone before you can love them! And to get to know someone you have to spend time in their presence.

Just a few short years ago, I came to "know" the Lord and developed a personal, intimate relationship with Him. As I did so, I saw and felt His overwhelming love for me. My heart began to open in new ways, the love inside my heart began to spill out and my life began to take on new meaning and new direction.

But it wasn’t instant. It took time. I listened to my Pastor’s message each week, I prayed with mature Christians. My elder at the church helped me and nurtured my faith. I also began to spend more time with God by reading His Word -- the Bible -- and simply amazing things began to take place.

Just as it takes knowing another human being well before we can love them, we also must come to know the Lord before we truly can love Him. God is a perfect Father -- he's always there for us, waiting with open arms to hug His lost little children. It’s hard for most of us to imagine a perfect father, especially if – in our own lives – we had a less-than-perfect father, or no father at all. But God IS that perfect Father. And we cannot even begin to fathom the magnitude of the love that He has for us, his children.

So many people today are “lost,” trying to find their way, and looking to outside sources and “things” to "find" their way, their happiness, their sense of self. Yet nothing, except God’s Holy Spirit, will ever fill that God-shaped hole in our heart.

It’s amazing to me that all I had to do was invite Jesus Christ into my heart in order for me to begin a true and everlasting relationship with Him. It’s amazing that all I needed to do was to submit my heart to God to begin anew.

It took half of my life for me to get to that point. Yet, God is so patient. He would have waited until I was 100 years of age! He’s God, He has the time! And He will wait for all of His children to say, “Jesus I need you and I want you to come into my heart and into my life. I want to know you Lord. Please forgive me of my wrongdoing. I make you my Lord and Savior.”

That simple phrase changed my life. God’s love is simply amazing. His love is everlasting. What an awesome thought. What an awesome God!

When Plans for Your Life Take a Detour, Let God Give You Direction by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:10:00 +0000

May 2009 Edition

I remember shortly after college when I was interviewing for a “real” job, one of the questions that a prospective employer asked me was, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

I was ready for that question, as I had done my homework and read many of the job interviewing books that aim to prepare you for “the interview.”

I don’t remember my exact answer, although I know it was rehearsed ahead of time. What I do remember, however, are my personal plans for where I wanted to be in my life by a certain age.

It went like this. I want to have a high-paying corporate position by age 30, be married to prince charming, buy our first home and have my first baby by age 32, my second baby by age 35 years. I’ll continue working full-time after the children are born and my husband and I and the kids will live happily ever after.

Here’s how the story really went. I had a high-paying corporate job at age 30, I married at age 32, began trying for a baby at age 35 and struggled with infertility, had a miscarriage, finally became pregnant with and at 37 years of age, I had a beautiful, precious baby we named Isabella.

When I was 40, we tried for baby number two, I had two more miscarriages, one of them an ectopic pregnancy that nearly took my life. The surgery to save my life left me with chronic pain in my spine which subsequently, (through prayer, my pastor’s help, more prayers and finally getting on my knees in prayer) led me to turn my life completely over to the Lord. Shortly after becoming saved, I also became divorced. OK, so my life took a few detours! But it actually IS a happy story because I have taken a new path that is really fulfilling and exciting.

In the time since I was saved -- in 2003 -- I have become a stronger, more independent woman. I am blessed with a now 8-year-old daughter who is growing each day in her walk with the Lord at such an early age. My chronic pain is gone thanks to a wonderful pain management physician and the Greatest Physician of all, GOD. And even though the plans for my life have taken several detours along the way and I don’t have a clue what the future holds, I know God is guiding my every step. I have a new joy and peace that I know can only come from Him.

Psalm 25 verses 4 and 5: "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

I would never have chosen this path for myself, but I’m so grateful for it because otherwise I would not know Jesus. I would be missing out on His love and grace and mercy. I would be missing out on the greatest relationship ever. God’s love transforms, it heals, it restores and renews.

I am so grateful for the journey I’m on and I am even more grateful knowing I am not on it alone. The only GPS I need now and forever is GOD. He’s ready to guide each of us. All we need is to be brave enough to ask for Directions!

God Bless You.

Let it Rise by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Mark Chapter 16 verse 6: (NIV) “Don’t be alarmed, he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.”

Jesus’ resurrection from the grave is the reason we celebrate Easter. We celebrate that Jesus lives. We celebrate the fact that even Satan could not defeat our Lord.

And, just as Jesus rose from the dead, we too are offered a chance to resurrect areas within our own lives.

The simple truth is, once you invite Jesus into your heart, the enemy does not stand a chance at defeating you - EVER! Once you invite Jesus to be the Lord of your life, one thing is for sure – you will never be the same again!

Spring is a time of new beginnings, and this April, we can all be thankful that the old is passing away and that God’s mercies are new each day. With the help of our Lord, we can rise up in new ways. We can bury old habits and old ways of thinking and we can resurrect those dreams that God has placed in our hearts.

What is it in your life that needs resurrecting? What bondages are you ready to break free of? Have you laid it all at the feet of Jesus and asked Him what it is He wants you to do? Have you asked for His help and turned your life completely over to Him?

Jesus is a perfect gentleman. He only goes where He is invited. He doesn’t force himself on anyone. Rather, He is there for you always with His hand outstretched toward yours. But He will only take your hand if you allow Him to. He will only take up residence in your heart if you invite him inside. And once you do, your life will be forever changed. It’s not that your life will be a cake walk – it won’t be – but you will be able to draw on the Lord’s supernatural strength and supernatural abilities. Knowing that Almighty God is working in your life is an awesome feeling and it inspires me.

In John Chapter 11 verses 25 and 26 (NIV), Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

One day, everything that you are experiencing now will pass away. But once you invite Jesus into your heart, you can have the peace of knowing that you will live in eternity with Him. That is what Jesus meant by “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.”

For the time being, we are living on earth. I believe we are here to further God’s Kingdom, to bring Him Glory and Honor. And through it all, we can achieve and experience things that – without Him – we could never do.

The main reason this site was launched was to share the love of Jesus with others. Coming to know Jesus has been a truly life-changing experience for me. I want you, and everyone I know, to experience and feel the love, the joy and the peace that can only come from the Lord.

It’s hard to put it all into words, but I know that God has the power to heal, to restore, to resurrect and to love beyond measure. I have experienced it first-hand and I want to continue to know Him more and immerse myself in all that He is. I want to grow closer and closer to God by soaking up His Holy word and rising up to new heights in every aspect of my life.

I want to invite you to do the same. This Easter, I ask you to invite Jesus into your heart, if you haven’t already, and to let all that He is rise up within you.

You can say, Lord Jesus, I invite you to come into my heart. I repent of my sins and I make you my Lord and my Savior. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Happy Easter and God Bless You!

Take the Limits Off by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:32:00 +0000

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines the word “limit” as “something that bounds, restrains or confines.”

This is a great word when we’re talking about things such as, “I have to limit how much chocolate I eat,” or “I am limiting how much television my daughter can watch,” or “I’m going to limit my spending.”

But it’s not such a great word when it refers to thoughts that are so negative they limit my potential.

I am fully aware that I sometimes limit myself. Why? Well, for starters, I sometimes allow the enemy to sneak into my thought-life. Sometimes he is so quiet, he steps in without me realizing it. He whispers words of doubt regarding new ideas I might have, or things I dream about doing. Then, after he leaves my self-esteem strewn about in a pile of wreckage, he quickly disappears. He is not a welcome visitor, which is why he sneaks in the back door when I’m not paying attention.

Therefore, I am putting on the full armor of God each day and I am fighting back against the enemy by speaking words of truth. I am declaring and claiming what God says about me.

God says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. God says, I am the head and not the tail. God says I am a conqueror. God says I have seeds of greatness planted on the inside of me. God says I am His Child and I am more precious than rubies.

You know what else? God says those very same things about you too. He says it about all of His children.

In the New King James Version (NKJV), Galatians Chapter 5 verse 1, the Apostle Paul says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

In the New International Version (NIV), Luke, Chapter 12 verse 7, Jesus said, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

If we will declare out loud and repeat what God says about us each day, His words will penetrate deep into our spirit. Then and only then, we will be able to break out of the bondage that holds us back. We will achieve even more than we can possibly imagine. There is no limit to what you and I can do.

Today I am praying for God to take the limits off of me. He wants to do the same for you too.

Will you pray with me?

Dear Heavenly Father, I claim my heritage as a child of Yours. You created me for a purpose Lord. I thank you for taking the limits off of me so that I can accomplish all that you have planned for my life. Thank you for your limitless blessings, for your limitless love, for your limitless abundance and your limitless grace and mercy. I give you my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

God Bless You Friend! Drop me an email and let me know how God has taken the limits off of you!

When Life is Mundane I Praise His Name by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:48:00 +0000

As I pondered, procrastinated (yes, I am a procrastinator!) and prayed on what to write for this month’s column, the topic came to me as I wrote an email to a very dear and Godly friend.

In my email I started discussing how sometimes life can be so mundane, and then like a ton of bricks, I remembered something.

I remembered reading about a woman who was going through a horrible time in her life with her finances and her husband’s health and how it was affecting her children. Her whole life was so chaotic and now revolved around her very sick husband. She did not have a single moment to relax, enjoy her children, her home and her husband.

While she often complained about the boring life she led (before her husband got sick), now all she longed for was to go back to those mundane days. She wrote how she would relish just enjoying the good health she and her children and husband had, she would enjoy just being in each other’s company no matter what they were doing, she would give thanks for just an ordinary day without doctor’s appointments and doctor’s bills piling up. She told how she would be so very thankful to have a healthy, loving husband. If ever given the chance, she would never again complain about the mundane. She wanted her old life back both for herself and for her children.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 verses 16-18 says, “Be joyful always, pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances.”

Today as I write this, I want to say, thank you God. Thank you for the life you have given me, thank you for all that I have and all that you have blessed me with. I praise your Holy name.

Friend, my life is probably much like yours. There are times of fun, excitement, new adventures and triumphs. There are also the tough times, challenging times, and times of uncertainty. And then there are just the plain ‘ole ordinary routine days, where everything is the same as the day before except the shirt you’re wearing.

The past few weeks, my life has been fairly routine (with a few curveballs thrown in here and there). But I’m not complaining.

Whatever the day brings, I know it’s scripted by the Lord and it’s all part of His great plan. So when my life is mundane, I’m going to praise His name. How about you?

God Makes All Things New by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Lamentations 3:22-25, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” (NIV, New International Version)

His mercies are new each day….God of wonder, God of Grace.

He truly is a God of wonder and Grace. And one other thing is for sure, our Heavenly Father is a God of surprises. He loves to give and give and give.

Many times, God likes to give us gifts we “don’t expect.” What do I mean by that? Well, He always answers our prayers, but sometimes not in the way we expect Him to or ask Him to. I have to remind myself that His ways are higher than my ways, and His thoughts are higher than mine. In His infinite wisdom, God knows exactly what we need even before we ask.

In my humanness, I always want to know, know, know. I like “planning” and “knowing” because it gives me a feeling of being in control. It’s so hard for me to “let go and let God” sometimes because that means I have to give up control.

Except that when you give your life over to the Lord, you fully know, accept and realize that He is in control at all times. God is directing my steps and your steps. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

So why do I still struggle with “trying” to be in control or trying to make things happen?

When I step in front of God and “take control,” I make mistakes, I stumble and sometimes I fall. That’s when the bruises show up.

But the great thing is that when I mess up, admit that I’ve messed up and go to Him asking for His help, His forgiveness and His direction, He completely makes all things new again.

In this new year, it’s a great time to go to Him and ask Him to make all things new. But we don’t have to wait until January 1st because with God everyday is new year’s day. He is ready to make all things new each and every morning.

His mercies truly are new each day. No matter what yesterday was like for you, today He is busy making all things new.

Right now, no matter where you are in your life friend, His Holy Spirit is here with you at this very moment. He is ready to take the wheel. He wants to lead you to a place of peace, joy, contentment, and He wants to make all things new.

Will you pray with me?

Dear Lord, I want to thank you that you are in complete control of my life. Lord, sometimes I make a mess of things and for that I am sorry. I am so grateful Lord that your mercies are new each day. Thank you for leading me out of the valley because I know you want to place me on the mountaintop. Lord, I am ready to take my life to a new level. In this new year, I give it all to you Lord. Lead me, guide me, bless me, show me the way. My heart is open, my eyes are on you. Lead the way Lord. Lead the way. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

God bless you friend. I am praying for you and I love you.

Happy New Year!

It's Not Who I am, but Whose I am by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:07:00 +0000

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whim his favor rests.” (Luke Chapter 2, verses 8 through 14)

These verses in the Bible describe the greatest event in history. The Messiah had been born!

In the Life Application Study Bible it explains that for ages the Jews had waited for this event, and when it finally occurred, the announcement came to humble shepherds. The good news about Jesus is that he comes to all, including the plain and ordinary. He comes to anyone humble enough to accept him.

Jesus was a friend to those in society that were looked down upon. He was a friend of the poor, the sick, the humble, the meek, the outcasts of society. Jesus was humble. He even washed the feet of his disciples to show his humility.

Humility and service to others is the evidence of love. When we realize that we are children of the Most High God, we can hold our heads high knowing that we belong to Him.

You are a unique and special person and Jesus wants to fill your heart and your home with an abundance of love. He also wants you to show that love to others, those who are in need, those who are sick, lost, poor and considered outcasts in our society. There are so many people all around us who don’t feel special because they don’t yet realize how loved they are.

This Christmas season, we all have a chance to show Jesus’ love to our neighbors, our friends, our family, our co-workers. Every day we are given countless opportunities to commit random acts of kindness and allow Jesus’ love to shine through our actions.

It’s not about the shiny, fancy, new presents under the tree. It’s about sharing our love with others, celebrating the life of Jesus and allowing him to take first place in your life.

He is referred to with many, many beautiful names throughout the Bible: the Prince of Peace, Immanuel (which means “God with us”), Lamb of God, Light of the World, King of Kings, the Great I Am and so many more.

The most important thing to know is that whoever you are, whatever you do, you can have Jesus in your life. He accepts you as you are. So I invite you this Christmas to come as you are, invite Jesus into your heart and celebrate with the world, the greatest event in history.

Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ!

I love you!

Are You Humbly Grateful or Grumbly Hateful? by Sage Buitron

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:42:00 +0000

So here we are in the season of thanks and I know for many it is extremely difficult to feel grateful in the midst of a terrible storm.

I am very aware that for some of you right now, this is one of the most difficult seasons you’ve ever gone through. It’s very understandable to feel down when you are facing extraordinarily difficult financial times, or your health is in crisis or your marriage is suffering, or your children are not doing well. Whatever your circumstances are, I know this - we serve a supernatural God and He can move mountains for you.

So the question is, how do you stay humbly grateful when deep down inside sometimes you feel grumbly hateful?

If we are humble and admit that we can’t do life without God’s help and His love, you can be sure God will see you through all of your challenges, no matter how big or how small they are. God knows your heart so well. He will see to it that you are lifted out of the valley and onto the mountaintop once again.

Psalm 25 verse 9 and 10 says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.”

No matter what you are going through right now, no matter how awful things might seem, there still are things in your life for which you can give thanks. You might not feel like it, but if you step out in faith and thank the Lord for even the most simple things, you will see your spirits lifted higher. Little by little as you give thanks, you also will see your circumstances begin to change for the better.

Remember, God says He will never leave you nor forsake you. Scripture also says in Romans Chapter 8 verse 28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The NIV (New International Version) Life Application Study Bible says about this verse. “God works in ‘all things’ – not just isolated incidents – for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good. Note that God is not working to make us happy, but to fulfill his purpose.”

1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 verses 16 through 18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances.”

Being joyful, living humbly grateful, is a daily choice. Granted, it is not always an easy choice, but it IS a choice nonetheless.

I find that when I begin my day by giving thanks to God for a new day and for the food, shelter and clothing He has provided, as well as for the many other wonderful things He has done, it instantly starts my morning off on a positive note.

I want to live a humbly grateful life, and I want others to see God at work through me and my actions and my words.

I would like to issue a challenge to you for the month of November. I’d like to ask you to begin your day by thanking God for at least three things. I’d also like you to end your day by thanking God for at least three things. And if you can remember to, thank Him in the middle of your day as well. It will lift your spirits to give thanks, it will put a smile on your heart and on God’s heart.

And my final challenge is this – Pay attention to your words as you speak. As you do so, if you find yourself being negative, stop yourself in your tracks, pause and switch gears to the humbly grateful mode.

I leave you with this Scripture – Romans 8 verses 35 through 37, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Jesus went to the cross for you and for me. God truly loves and adores you. You are the apple of His eye. There is nothing He wouldn’t do for you!

Now THAT is something to be humbly grateful for. What are you grateful for today?

Happy November, Happy Thanksgiving!

God Bless You Now and Always!

Can You Hear Me Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:09:00 +0000

(Photo: Sage and Isabella at Split Rock, PA)

I just had an “ah ha” moment as I began to meditate on what God wants me to say in this month’s column. Once again God is growing my walk with Him through my experience as a parent.

As the parent of an 8-year-old, I often find that I repeat myself A LOT! It’s something I’m working on and I am now much more aware that I need to say things once, then back away.

My daughter’s hearing is perfect, but you might not know it if you lived in our home. I often repeat myself and when I do, it’s exhausting! Sometimes, exasperated, I just throw my hands up in the air wondering if I will ever get through, or whether I am just destined to live a life where I walk around like a crazy lady repeating things to myself. But as I said, I am learning. I now make an effort to say something once, and then issue an appropriate consequence if I am ignored.

So many times in our lives, I imagine that our Heavenly Father must feel exasperated with us! There must be countless times when God speaks to us. He might tell us something through a friend, only for that voice to be ignored. He may warn us about something and we know it by that deep down feeling inside, but we ignore it. God may throw us a lifeline through that job opportunity that we don’t take, through a letter we get in the mail, even through a speeding ticket that tells us to quite literally, “slow down and be careful.”

I know that in my youth God spoke to me a lot, but I just didn’t listen. Thank goodness that -- just like a loving parent -- God never gave up on me and I am so grateful. God says in His word, Hebrews Chapter 13 verse 5: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Thank you Lord for those comforting words.

I am now listening. In fact, nowadays I actively listen. I even ask to be spoken to. I ask for guidance and I look, wait, and listen. I listen to my heart to see if what is being said to me “fits deep inside.” If it does, and if I have great peace about something, then I know it’s from God. If I don’t have peace about a situation, I know that it’s not for me and I better walk away.

Before I write anything for this site, I ask that God use me to speak to you, so that the words I write are not my own, but His.

I have said it before – written it before -- and here again I feel that God is speaking so clearly. The number one way the Lord speaks to us is through His word, the bible. You may read a passage and not understand it at first, but then later that day or later that week, something that you needed to know is suddenly made clear. One thing I know for sure is that God’s word never returns empty. So whatever you read in His word, it is going to help you in your life. And it will strengthen your relationship with Him.

God is always here, by your side, ready to throw a life line to you, ready to listen, ready to speak to your heart. We are the ones who decide whether we want a close and intimate relationship with Him. He gave us free will. He wants us to want Him, to seek Him, to talk with Him, to lean on Him.

I also want you to do the same. I want you to listen to what He has to say to you, not just when things get desperate in your life, but on a daily basis.

I know that for me, personally speaking, I don’t want to miss a single word God has to say to me. I don’t want Him to have to repeat himself. My prayer for you is that when you listen for God’s voice, you will be able to say, “Yes, Lord. I can hear you now.”

May you be richly blessed, now and always,

Sage Buitron

Rise Up Higher

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:37:00 +0000

Recently while my daughter Isabella was playing with a friend, the laughter she was sharing with her buddy suddenly turned to squabbling. We happened to be out shopping, and so I quietly decided I would not intervene -- instead opting to continue our casual stroll through the store while I minded my own business.

My daughter’s friend decided she needed some space and walked a few feet in front of Isabella, placing a silent but very clear boundary between them. After a few moments, Isabella leaned into me and whispered, “Mommy, I’m going to rise up higher and be the first to apologize.”

I almost fell over. Thank goodness the shopping cart was supporting me! Once I gathered my composure and reassured myself that I wasn’t hearing things, I leaned into my daughter and said, “Great decision! You should feel very proud of yourself.”

Wow! I was thrilled to know that my words are sinking in after all. What a revelation! And just the kind of encouragement I needed.

“Rise up Higher” is something I say fairly often to my daughter and sometimes to myself when faced with situations that challenge my sanity and/or my peace. It’s kind of a motto, and a reminder that in order to be a Godly person, I must take the challenge and come up higher.

Life is not always fair, and sometimes we get what we don’t deserve – in circumstances, from people, at work, and from life. It’s just not always fair. What are we to do? Are we going to pout and throw an adult version of a temper tantrum, or are we going to rise up higher?

Often times, I believe it is the bumps along the way that offer us a chance to grow closer to God. If everything in life went our way, we would be completely self-indulgent, selfish, immature human beings. But thankfully God offers us many opportunities to grow, to mature, to think beyond ourselves, to seek Him and to rise up higher.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 verses 16-18 says, “Be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances.”

Sounds like a tall order, right? It is, I know. But we are not called to be ordinary. As children of the Most High God, we are expected to rise up higher.

Will you take the challenge to do so? And if you have children, will you also challenge them to rise up higher too? You can SO do this. We can do this!

I want to know how you are doing. Please share your “rise up higher” moments with me by emailing me. Just visit the Contact Us page and send me an email.

God Bless You now and always,

Sage Buitron

Healing

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:12:00 +0000

When I prayed on what to write about this month, God spoke to my heart about “healing.” God has told me that there are many who are in need of either a physical healing or a spiritual healing right now.

If that’s you, have you called upon the Lord for that healing?

In my own life, I must confess there are certain things that definitely need a healing.

Scripture says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

One thing I know for sure is that God does not want us to live all tired, worn out, sick and feeling defeated. God wants us to live joyously and fulfilled. He wants us to live healthy, both spiritually and physically so that we may realize all of the potential that lies within us.

Whatever type of healing we need, I am reminded of my Pastor’s words of advice. He said, “Thank God as if it is already done.”

Yes, we are to ask and then we will receive – but we must also thank God for answering our prayers and see them as already answered.

There are always going to be trials in our lives. Either we are going through a trial right now, we are coming out of a trial or we are headed for a trial of some sort.

In John chapter 16 verse 33, Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

What Jesus is saying is that we will have struggles and trials in our lives, that part is inevitable. But He does not abandon us to our struggles either. If we remember that that ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times. That gives me a great feeling of peace when I think about that.

And whether it is a healing of the heart that you need, or a physical healing, ask God for it and consider it done.

In Exodus chapter 15 verse 26, God says, “For I am the Lord who heals you.”

It is our faith that activates God’s supernatural abilities in our lives. It is our faith that heals us.

In Matthew chapter 14, verses 35 and 36, scripture says, “People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.”

Do you believe that the Lord your God is with you? If so, place your faith and trust in Him.

I don’t know all of your hurts, your struggles, your trials, but God does and He wants to heal you in everyway. I pray that whatever kind of healing you are in need of today that you turn it over to the Lord. I am claiming it for you now that you are healed of your hurts, you are healed of the pain, you are healed in every way, your mind, your body and your spirit are all healed. I claim it for you now. Do you receive it?

May God Bless You and Heal You!

Overflowing Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:53:00 +0000

As I write this, I have such a feeling of peace and gratitude. It’s a Friday evening and there is a new pre-teen movie that my daughter and one of her best buddies is watching next to me in the family room. They are sprawled out on their sleeping bags, in their PJ’s, giggling, munching on chocolate and just being little girls. I am so grateful for the simple pleasure of hanging out here on a Friday night with them. I am grateful that we are here safe and sound, that we have good health, and that we are just enjoying the moment.

Last night, I also was blessed (again) by the way that God is moving in my life and through His website Positive-Talk.com. I now have a new friend in New Zealand (Hi Karen!) whom I met through my friend here in South Florida, Melissa Mashburn (Hi Melissa!). If it were not for this site, I would not know either one of them. My friend Alvy Marmol (Hi Alvy!) introduced me to Melissa -- the new friends and wonderful things happening through this site just continue.

On a more somber note, I also received an email through this site from someone in South Africa who is struggling with an illness. However that beautiful person found Positive-Talk.com and they also found encouragement and inspiration in this site. I am privileged to have received an email from this person and I know that it was not an accident that they found the site. God has a great plan for him/her. I am just so grateful for this site, for my life and for all that God has blessed me with – which is a lot. And when I say a lot, it has nothing to do with money.

I want you to know that I am praying for each of you. I may not know you personally, but God knows you. He even knows every hair on your head. I may not know all of your needs, but He does. He knows you, He knows your heart and He is here for you. I feel His presence all around and I feel Him telling me that He wants to know you more and have an even closer relationship with you.

I am grateful to be praying for you. I pray that good health, love, prosperity, fulfillment and the joy of the Lord fills your life and your heart. I pray that you will move in the direction that God has planned for you. I pray that you will fulfill your God-given and God-driven purpose while you are here on earth.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude lately. Life still has its mountain tops and valleys, but even during the seasons when I am in a valley, I am so grateful for the simple things in my life. I used to overlook so many of these simple things and now I realize that so many of them are actually incredible blessings.

May God Bless You each and every day!

Sage Buitron

Words to Live By

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:34:00 +0000

by Sage Buitron

As I sat down to write the June edition of “Positively Sage,” I was curious as to how many words the average person speaks in a day. When I researched it online, what I found was a rough estimate of about 10,000 words a day for someone who is considered “a talker.”

I wonder, if we were to take a poll, -- no matter if we’re a “talker” or someone who doesn’t like to talk a whole lot -- how many of those words would fall into the “positive” category or “encouragement” category?

And what about our inner thoughts? What kind of words are we using when we talk to ourselves? Are we critical of ourselves, or are we thinking thoughts that will encourage and build us up? Do you encourage others in your words but criticize yourself? Sometimes we’re not even aware when we are thinking critical thoughts about ourselves.

I want to challenge you – and myself – to not only make an effort to speak out words of encouragement to others, but also to encourage yourself by becoming aware of your thoughts. What would happen if we said something encouraging to each person we encountered in a 24-hour period?

In Matthew chapter 12, verse 34, Jesus said, “…For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Simply put, this means that the words that we speak reveal what is in our hearts. And in order to change our heart, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our entire being changes – our heart changes, our speech changes, our lives become changed – for the better.

And when we speak positive things over ourselves as well as those in our lives, it has a powerful effect that elevates us and propels us forward.

I had the privilege on May 30, 2008 to experience – along with 20,000 other South Floridians – an evening with Pastor Joel Osteen. He spoke of the importance of encouraging ourselves and celebrating ourselves, even when no one else is celebrating us. He also provided a wonderful giveaway of stickers that have short passages of inspiring and encouraging scripture. For the June edition of “Positively Inspiring” on http://www.positive-talk.com/, I am posting these passages for you to read, print out and carry with you wherever you go.

I would like to leave you with this scripture from Ephesians chapter 4 verse 29. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

God Bless You!

Sage Buitron

Listening to God

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:58:00 +0000

by Sage Buitron

Recently a dear friend of mine, Alvy, said that she was hearing God tell her to “Be still and know that I am God.”

As I listened to her talk about the importance of getting quiet and just being still, I let her words sink in.

Later that night, as I was preparing dinner, I found my mind relaxing. I felt tranquil and my friend’s words came to mind, “Be still and know that I am God.”

I felt that God was giving me that same message, but through my friend.

Not too long ago, another friend whom I’ve known for years, Renee, asked me why God doesn’t speak to her. Renee has a huge heart for God. We have grown in our walk with the Lord together. We were baptized at the same time by our beloved Pastor – Pastor Terry, and we both have seen each other through thick and thin.

I explained to Renee that God DOES speak to her – He speaks to each and every one of us. Sometimes we are not sure how to listen.

God speaks to us in a number of ways. He speaks to us through other people, He speaks to us directly, when we feel it deep down inside our “gut” and we just “know” what to do or what not to do. And He speaks to us in and through His written word, the Bible.

The more we read His word, the stronger His voice will become, as it is the number one way He speaks to us. God left His Living Word for us. It is a “Living” Bible. It is a roadmap for our lives. The more we seek Him, the stronger our connection to Him will be. He has promised in His word that He “will never leave us, nor forsake us.”

But how doe we hear God speaking? How do we tune in? How can we know for sure that what we “feel” is from God?

I used to think it was strange when I would hear my Pastor say, for example, “God told me that I should speak to the congregation about such and such,” or “God said that I should get involved with this project or that project.”

I would think to myself, “Wow, he must have some supernatural connection to God because God speaks to Him and tells him specific things!”

I have learned that God speaks to each of us. Every one of us has that same supernatural connection to God. All we have to do is seek Him. You can’t have a relationship with someone you don’t spend time with.

But listening, or rather, “hearing” God is a skill. Like any skill, we have to practice to improve. We do that by tuning in to that still small voice inside of us, meditating on God’s word and speaking to Him daily about everything, -- big things, little things, everything. At first, this might take some discipline. Many times, we’re so busy with our lives that we give God the “left overs.” We pray quickly before we eat, we say a quick prayer at bedtime, or we may go days and weeks or months without talking to God. Like any good relationship, we need to spend time with each other in order to receive the benefits of that relationship.

We need to spend time with God by speaking to Him throughout our day in order for our relationship with Him to become stronger.

I don’t think that reading God’s word is something that comes naturally for most of us. It takes discipline at first. However, the more we seek His word, the more we hunger for it and desire it, because we can rest knowing that God is in control. Reading the Bible and knowing God has my life in the palm of His hands gives me great peace and calm. Even in the midst of a storm, I know God will see me through it and bring me out stronger than before. He is listening to our hearts. He knows our every desire and God will always meet our needs.

We must be willing to quiet the chaos of our daily lives. If we do, we can take comfort with God’s calling to “Be still and know that I am God.” He is listening, He is speaking….what is God saying to you today?.........

God Bless You.

Sage Buitron

Waiting on His Timing

noreply@blogger.com (Positive-Talk) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:32:00 +0000

by Sage Buitron

Waiting. It’s a really hard thing to do. No matter what it is we are waiting for, patience is something that most of us just don’t have enough of.

Whether we are waiting in line, waiting in traffic, waiting to meet a husband or wife, waiting to earn more money, waiting until we have enough of this or enough of that – the waiting game is downright difficult.

So how do we do it? How can we practice waiting in a more effective and patient way?

Simply put. We must pray about it. No matter what our circumstances, if we get impatient, it’s not going to change anything. Furthermore, when we try in our own strength to “make things happen” faster, we usually end up frustrated and sometimes waiting even longer.

Perhaps God is offering an opportunity to strengthen us in those moments of anxiousness when we are tired of waiting -- frustrated because we’ve been waiting for so long.

As parents, we often get frustrated waiting for our children to learn to do things correctly. However, in the process of waiting for our children to do this better or that better, our children are the ones teaching us many things – to be patient, to be a better listener, to reach out more, to play more, to laugh more. How well are we listening?

I know that God is looking down on all of His children. He sees the potential within each of us and He is waiting for many of us to do better, to make better choices. He is waiting for many of us to seek Him for guidance and help. But our God is an awesome God and He is so patient. He will wait until we take our last breath for us to come to Him. He doesn’t give up on us, ever! Imagine if we, as earthly beings could exercise just a fraction of that patience?

In a time when technology offers us so much “instant gratification” it is making the ability to wait even harder. But our timing is not God’s timing. There may be many things in your life that are not going your way right now. And perhaps you’re sick and tired of waiting. It’s difficult. I know. There are things that I am hoping and waiting for even as I write this story. But I want to encourage you not to give up. Whatever it is you are waiting for, God knows your heart. He loves you and He wants to see your dreams come to pass.

In the meantime, we can practice improving our skills while we play the waiting game. So, the next time you’re waiting in traffic, waiting in line, waiting on something that normally might frustrate you, or you are waiting for something much more significant -- why not take a higher road? Whatever it is you are waiting for….take a deep breath and make a decision to wait with patience – wait upon the Lord. Let Him take the wheel. He will steer you in the right direction.