Developing Christian Character

Developing Christian Character

Faith produces virtue > knowledge > self-control > steadfastness > godliness > brotherly affection > Christian Love

When you develop these qualities, they will keep you from being idle (unfruitful) unto the Lord Jesus Christ.

  Messiah  –     Anointed One

If you lack these qualities, you are spiritually blind and lack vision.

“My people perish for a lack of vision.”  (Proverbs 29:18)

 

There are four types of vision:

Myopic Vision – People with myopic vision are nearsighted that they live only for today. Their vision of the future is fuzzy. They can barely see beyond their noses.

Peripheral Vision – People with peripheral vision are blindsided by side issues. These visionaries are hampered in moving forward because they catch the threatening images of lurking problems in the corners of their eyes. They are fearful of shadowy difficulties and people lurking on the sidelines who will defeat their efforts. These folks are easily distracted.

Tunnel Vision – People with tunnel vision see only what is dead ahead of them and assume that their slender view of reality reflects the whole world. They don’t see other persons or other issues.

Panoramic Vision – People with panoramic vision see the “Big Picture”. They see beyond today. They see what is ahead of them and what is to their sides. They have a basic understanding of the key ingredients of a healthy organization and know the steps necessary to take to get them there.

MAKE SURE YOUR VISION IS PANORAMIC, so you can be

Productive and Move Forward.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Karmen A. Booker has been called by God to exhort and teach others the Word of God. She is the founder of Wings of Love Women’s Ministry (WLWM), which helps women realize healing and spiritual growth, while cultivating their God-given gifts and ministering in their local churches and their communities and the world.

WLWM’s desire is to connect with other women who have battled abuse in their lives, and who have been held back from moving forward for whatever reason. We encourage victims of abuse to go forth and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ with more commitment and boldness, knowing that through healing and restoration “the good work God has began in them He will complete.’’

WLWM offers ministry resource products that are designed to encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and take you to higher spiritual heights of knowledge and understanding of the Word of God!!! These resources written and published by Ms. Booker are:  “You Are Called to Greatness”, “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”, “Life Enrichment Kit”,  “Seeking the Face of God”,  “You Are God’s Masterpiece”, “Christian Mentoring Guide for Women”, and  “Biblical Entrepreneurship”.

DEVELOPING A WINNING ATTITUDE

For we are God’s own handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us, [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them, [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

(Ephesians 2:10 – AMP)

God said in His word that he has already preordained your life.  He has a plan to prosper you and not to harm you.

How do you fulfill His plan for your life?

By developing a Positive Attitude. There is a winning attitude and a losing attitude.  In order to be successful in life, you must have a winning attitude.

What is a Winning Attitude?

It is Christ’s attitude.  In Philippians 2:5 – AMP, it says, “Let this same attitude and purpose and humble mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus never ran from adversity.  He never gave up in the midst of adversity.   He maintained a winning attitude, and trusted, relied upon, and depended on the power God gave him to overcome adversity.  This is the same attitude that you must develop in your life.  You must determine to win at any cost, relying solely and completely on God to strengthen you and carry you through to victory.  Your attitude is more than a feeling.  It is what will enable you to keep fighting in the midst of adversity when others have given up and thrown in the towel.

Jesus never quit.   When He knew He was about to be crucified on the cross, he surrendered his will to God’s will by saying “Thy will be done.”  He endured all of the pain and suffering on the cross to save you from eternal death in hell.

We must endure (outlast) adversity like Jesus.  Whatever you are going through, whatever Satan is trying to do in your life, make a decision today and remain determined to endure (outlast) it and triumph through the power and strength God has given you to overcome.   “We are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:38)

If you will begin to develop a Winning Attitude, then nothing Satan tries to do to you will move you.  If Satan cannot move you, then you cannot be defeated.  You will Triumph in Christ and fulfill God’s plan for your life.

 

 

**********************

Karmen A. Booker has been called by God to exhort and teach others the Word of God. She is the founder of Wings of Love Women’s Ministry (WLWM), which helps women realize healing and spiritual growth, while cultivating their God-given gifts and ministering in their local churches and their communities and the world.

WLWM’s desire is to connect with other women who have battled abuse in their lives, and who have been held back from moving forward for whatever reason. We encourage victims of abuse to go forth and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ with more commitment and boldness, knowing that through healing and restoration “the good work God has began in them He will complete.’’

WLWM offers ministry resource products that are designed to encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and take you to higher spiritual heights of knowledge and understanding of the Word of God!!! These resources written and published by Ms. Booker are:  “You Are Called to Greatness”, “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”, “Life Enrichment Kit”,  “Seeking the Face of God”,  “You Are God’s Masterpiece”, “Christian Mentoring Guide for Women”, and  “Biblical Entrepreneurship”.

 

The Branch

I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.  Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit (stops bearing) He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.

You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word, which I have given you.  Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you.  [Live in Me, and I will live in you.]  Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.  I am the Vine; you are branches.  Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit.  However, apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5)

The branch that is not connected to its source of nourishment withers and dies.  It is essential for the branch to remain connected to the source.  That source is God – Jesus – The Word.

“If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:6)

We must remain (abide) connected to The Word (Jesus Christ) in order to continue growing spiritually and prospering.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (III John 2)

God wants us to prosper and be in health, even as our soul (mind and emotions) prosper.  The soul can’t prosper unless it is transformed.  Transformed by The Word.

“Do not be conformed to this world (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs), but be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of god, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you).” (Romans 12:2)

Our mind must be continually transformed by Living Waters.  We can’t physically live without water, and we can’t spiritually live without The Word.

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.  Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.  For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:20-22)

There are many people walking around who are physically alive, but spiritually dead because there is no Word in them No Jesus in them.  Jesus is the source of spiritual life.  We may eat, drink and be merry (engage in worldly pleasures) and think we are living the life. That is, to party, drink alcoholic beverages, do drugs, have premarital sex, play sports till the sun goes down, and not have Jesus in our life (heart and mind); not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ the Messiah – The Anointed One.

But we aren’t “living the life” because we don’t have Jesus (the source of life) inside of our heart and mind.  So we are really living DEATH.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life (his blessed life in the kingdom of God)?  Or what would a man give as an exchange for his (blessed) life (in the kingdom of God)? (Matthew 16:26)

The most important relationship in our life is the one we have with Jesus.   Not our relationship with our mother, father, or brother.

” . . . truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (I John 3)

“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:  and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.   And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37-38)

STAY CONNECTED

Stay connected to Jesus Christ even when the winds fall and the valleys run deep.

When it seems like all you need is sleep.

When it seems there is no way out.

Trust in Jesus, He is the truth and the way without a doubt.

He will shape and mold you all the way through.

Just don’t give up when you are feeling blue.

The trials and tribulations we experience are designed to strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus (the Holy One).

I challenge you to be a Branch that Remains Connected to the Vine – Jesus Christ.

* * * * * * * * * *

******************

Karmen A. Booker has been called by God to exhort and teach others the Word of God. She is the founder of Wings of Love Women’s Ministry (WLWM), which helps women realize healing and spiritual growth, while cultivating their God-given gifts and ministering in their local churches, their communities and the world.

WLWM’s desire is to connect with other women who have battled abuse in their lives, and who have been held back from moving forward for whatever reason. We encourage victims of abuse to go forth and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ with more commitment and boldness, knowing that through healing and restoration “the good work God has began in them He will complete.’’

WLWM offers ministry resource books that are designed to encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and take you to higher spiritual heights of knowledge and understanding of the Word of God!!! These resources written and published by Ms. Booker are:  “You Are Called to Greatness”, “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”, “Life Enrichment Kit”,  “Seeking the Face of God”,  “You Are God’s Masterpiece”, “Christian Mentoring Guide for Women”, and  “Biblical Entrepreneurship”.

 

 

Hidden Rivers of Life

He is the source of the living waters that flow.

Constantly within us, which renders an outside glow.

Jesus is the source of living waters.

If we trust in him, He will fill us with an ever-flowing stream of living water.

Water that nurtures and purifies our soul.

Allowing us to reach our godly goal.

A goal that is enhanced and multiplied through holy and righteous living.

Focusing not on receiving from others, but giving.

Giving our time, talents, and gifts sent from above;

To be a blessing to others and to show our love.

We must be faithful and true,

For it is only in this that our true light (Jesus within our hearts) will shine through.

We must continue to grow by studying and meditating on His Word.

Then and only then will the living waters flow.

Keep growing in the Word daily so the living waters within you will grow deeper and higher,

And your inner spiritual light will shine through brighter and brighter.

Don’t delay for time is running out.

We must remain in the flow of living waters to avoid everlasting drought.

 

©   1998 Karmen A. Booker

 

******************

For more inspiring and encouraging poems by Karmen A. Booker, purchase her book, “Seeking the Face of God”.

She has produced ministry resources that are designed to equip and encourage women to grow in their spiritual walk with Jesus Christ, and discover and fulfill their God-given purpose for the Advancement of the Kingdom of God.

 

No Titles, No Hype, Just Jesus

Many times people pursue degrees for the sake of getting a title before their name, such as “Doctor Jones” rather than seeking God and asking Him should they pursue a Doctorate Degree or Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree.

They believe that pursuing degrees makes them valuable and enhances their self-esteem.  It may make you more valuable from the world’s perspective, but not from God’s perspective.

People are valuable to God because He made them in His image.  However, a person must believe and accept their God-given value.  Once they do this their self-esteem will automatically be enhanced and continue to grow as they grow in the knowledge and understanding of how God sees them – Fearfully and wonderfully made – Awesome Masterpiece – God’s Workmanship.

“I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.”  (Psalm 139:14)

“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].”  (Ephesians 2:10)

 

 

 

 

 

One you do this your se

Blazing for Christ

 

I am the light (flaming torch) for Jesus Christ.

How intense is your flame?

Are you burning for Jesus Christ?

There are some activities in your life that are weights that bear you down. These include:

• Traditions
• Your Past
• Relationships that sap your energy because they do not add value to your life

Things you can do to maintain the Flame of God (keep your light burning) are:

• Stay in God’s Word
• Wind of the Holy Spirit
• Baptism of Speaking in Tongues
• Fellowship with other Believers

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Karmen A. Booker has been called by God to exhort and teach others the Word of God. She is the founder of Wings of Love Women’s Ministry (WLWM), which helps women realize healing and spiritual growth, while cultivating their God-given gifts and ministering in their local churches and their communities and the world.

WLWM’s desire is to connect with other women who have battled abuse in their lives, and who have been held back from moving forward for whatever reason. We encourage victims of abuse to go forth and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ with more commitment and boldness, knowing that through healing and restoration “the good work God has began in them He will complete.’’

WLWM offers ministry resource products that are designed to encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and take you to higher spiritual heights of knowledge and understanding of the Word of God!!! These resources written and published by Ms. Booker are:  “You Are Called to Greatness”, “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”, “Life Enrichment Kit”,  “Seeking the Face of God”,  “You Are God’s Masterpiece”, “Christian Mentoring Guide for Women”, and  “Biblical Entrepreneurship”.

Peace Be Still

Like the storm raged against the boat, storms such as financial loss, loss of a loved one, sickness can rage in our lives. However, we must have faith (dependence, trust, and confidence) in God to give us peace in the midst of the storm. If you do not have faith, then the storms of life will overtake you and consume you so that we become weak and utterly destroyed.

If you keep our minds focused on Jesus Christ (Word of God), rather than your circumstances, then we will live a life filled with joy and peace; knowing that God is your strength and deliverer. God says in John 14:27 to cast all our burdens upon the Lord and He will give you rest.

God give you peace. As a child of God this is part of your inheritance. However, you must receive God’s gift of peace.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Accepting the Peace of God is a choice. If you decide to accept His peace, you will remain at peace in spite of the fear and worry that the world promotes. You will be at peace in the midst of trials and tribulations. These trials and tribulations are designed to strengthen your faith, and enhance your endurance, steadfastness and patience. You will be able to stand surefooted on the Word of God, trusting the Lord Jesus Christ in spite of negative circumstances.

“Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.” (James 1:3-4)

However, if you do not accept God’s peace, you experience doubt, worry, and fear. You will experience a life of restlessness, rather than restfulness. Putting God first is the antidote to doubt, fear and worry.

When you accept the peace God gives you, the negativity and wickedness cannot and will not affect you.

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19)

“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14)

Remember, you are “in the world, but not of the world”. That is, you don’t’ live by the ideals, customs, and attitudes of the world, but by the principles of God’s Word. God’s Word is your Instructional manual for life. It rules and reigns in your life. Your thoughts and actions become aligned with the Word of God.

“And let the peace from Christ rule in your hearts (deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as one body you were also called to live. And be thankful (appreciative), giving praise to God always.” (Colossians 3:15)

The trials and tribulations you experience draw you closer to God and His Word. Thereby, increasing your faith in God to help you overcome your trials and tribulations. “Great deliverances and triumphs gives He to His king; and He shows mercy and steadfast love to His anointed, to David and his offspring forever.” (Psalm 18:50)

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

If you have faith in the Word of God, and endure the trials and tribulations until the victory is manifested, you will surely develop patience and steadfastness in moving forward in life = doing what God is leading you to do and fulfilling your God-given purpose.