Welcome to Day Six of Group Challenge Week!

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve woken up in the morning and thought, “I. Am. So. Tired.” I drag myself out of bed barely able to think about all the demands of the day ahead. I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and sapped of strength before the day even gets going.

This is a terrible way to start the day and can become a habit very quickly. The good news is that God has a different perspective He wants us to embrace as we begin our day. He never intended for us to consistently feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and depleted.

You know that Proverbs 31 woman, the woman so strong, capable, and energetic? Scripture tells us that she wakes up and “dresses herself with strength.”

God desires us to take everything we’ve learned this week and “dress” ourselves with it. Let’s learn how to do this so it can become our new morning routine!

She dresses.

“Dressing” is a skill, a learned practice. It is not a natural ability that you either have or you don’t. {Isn’t that great news?}

The Proverbs 31 woman had to learn how to dress, just like we must. The phrase here “to dress” implies “Preparing one’s self for something that requires readiness, strength, or endurance.”

Which pretty much describes living a godly life.

Sure, it would be easier if it came naturally…but once we realize it is something we learn, we are free to start practicing! Men and women and boys and girls of all ages can learn how to put on strength.

God calls us to be women who practice putting on His strength like we would our clothes. Morning after morning.

She dresses herself.

We can and should come to the place where we don’t expect others to make life easy for us.

As we learn to dress ourselves, we eliminate the “props” that hold us up and are instead stregthened by the Lord alone. When this happens, we stop making demands of our husband, children, friends, and church family. We stop emotional manipulation, tantrums, and the like and instead become the ones serving. Our *needs* aren’t substantial, even though our personal hardships may be. We have learned to withstand difficulty.

Now I know many women- even older women- who have never learned how to dress themselves with strength. They expect others around them to make their lives easier or more comfortable. They are “high maintenance” women.

Even if this describes us, the Bible has great news! No matter where we are on the spectrum, we can dress ourselves and be in a position to serve others. What tremendous freedom and joy!

She dresses herself with strength.

It is interesting to see what the virtuous woman clothes herself with: strength!

Ever wonder why that particular trait is pointed out? I think it is because God places us as women in situations where we are overwhelmed. The demands He places on us are beyond our abilities. Like the disciples in Mark 6:32-37, there are multitudes of people around us with needs and Jesus turns to us and says, “You feed them!”

Seriously?!

We can either sit there overwhelmed….or we can take up faith and clothe ourselves with strength. {Remember, strength is having a “can do” attitude.}

My friend, unless we have a good, solid understanding of how God equips, provides, and strengthens, we will either flatline or wear ourselves out serving in our own strength.

But when we understand that God graciously intends to include us in the fulfillment of His miraculous plans, we can begin clothing ourselves with the strength He provides (see I Peter 4:10-11).

Today ‘s a great day to start dressing!

It’s Day Five of our Group Challenge~ Welcome!

How strong are you?

One word for “strong” in the New Testament is “Ischys”. Ischys is simply “can do.”

Would your answer be any different if I asked if you are a “can do” kind of person?

This biblical definition of strong has more to do with attitude than it does ability. A “can do” person has the attitude of confidence, capability, and ability. This is not someone who is proud and self-sufficient but rather someone who is confident in God’s ability, grace, and provision.

The biblically grounded “can do” person understands God’s character and grace so thoroughly that she, like Paul, says with confidence, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil 3:14)

Ephesians 6:10 tells us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His strength. Our “can do” attitude is firmly rooted in the nature of God (He is all powerful and He is good) and in His gracious provision of strength towards us. We need not have great abilities, talents, and strengths…we only need faith in our great God!

Let’s briefly look at one man with a “can do” attitude. In Joshua 1:7 God instructed Joshua to “be strong!”

Do you think God was telling Joshua to go exercise so that he would be strong enough to take on the Canaanites? Of course not! God wanted Joshua to have a “can do” attitude. This had nothing to do with Israel’s power or advantage over the enemy. In fact, God frequently put His people in situations where they were completely outnumbered, disadvantaged, and under-resourced.

All of this to show that strength is not so much about ability as it is about  mindset…a mindset of faith in a powerful, involved, generous God. We are to have a “can do” attitude, believing and knowing that God will give us the ability to serve or fight or withstand or love or whatever He has called us to at any given moment.

I want us to see from Joshua’s example two reasons God Himself gave Joshua for having a “can do” attitude. And there is an assignment for today, too~ smile~ write these down on an index card and personalize them. When you get up in the mornings, put that index card to work!

Two reasons why we can have a “can do” attitude:

1. “Be strong…for you will lead these people to inherit the land.”  (Joshua 1:6)

We “can do” because we have a God-given Purpose.

Like Joshua, God has given us very specific, tailor-made purposes for our lives. God has spoken purpose, meaning, and significance over our lives! Our daily tasks are not insignifcant but are divine orders. Think about that!

When we realize that God is intimately involved in the affairs of this world and that He chooses to use ordinary men and women to accomplish His purposes, we are filled with a sense of meaning and purpose. If the mundane of life has robbed you of vision, spend some time asking God to restore your sense of purpose and meaning. You are fulfilling His divine plan!

2. ”Be strong…For I am with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

We “can do” because we have the Divine Presence.

The God who says He will never leave us or abandon us mid-stream is the One who calls us and walks through the day with us…wherever we go. He is there, in every moment. He never retreats, never leaves us on the frontlines alone.

We can have a “can do” attitude because of the very nature and character of God.

God cares deeply, He assists constantly, He is fully committed, He acts powerfully, and He never changes! Now that’s a reason for being a can do kind of person!

Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Welcome to Day Four of our Group Challenge Week!

My energy has been great this week~ smile~ and I’m having a blast with you!

We’ve got a full ride for today, so strap on your seat belts!

We’ve talked about potential energy and kinetic energy and have seen how God has given us tremendous potential energy. By raising us up in Christ and by giving us His Spirit, He has “potentialized” us for every good work.

We’ve also hinted that just because we possess potential energy, this does not make it kinetic. In other words, available does not mean automatic. It is through faith that the potential becomes actual.

Today we are going to look at a very special word in the New Testament, the word “energio” from which we get the word “energy.” We will see how it relates to “dynamis” and I think you will be blown away!

Look at these scriptures to see how “energio” is described in scripture:

Eph 1:19-20   “…and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working (energio) of the strength of His might.”

Eph 3:7    “of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working (energio) of His power.”

Col 2:12    “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working (energio) of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

As you might expect, “energio” refers to working, exertion, or operative power. You will notice how energio differs from dynamis. Whereas dynamis is the potential we have within us, energio is the actual working out of that power.

{Is that ringing any bells?}

Here is something very insightful: Out of the eight uses of the term “energio” in the NT, four of them are coupled with the word “dynamis.”  Consider these three:

1. Col 1:29    “To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy (energio) Christ so powerfully (dynamis) works in me.”
2. Eph 3:7    “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working (energio) of His power (dynamis).”
3. Eph 1:19    “and what the exceeding greatness of His power (dynamis) to us-ward who believe, according to that working (energio) of the strength of His might.”

Putting this all together, we see one simple teaching: God’s supernatural, dynamite power resides within us and can be converted into operative power in our lives. Wow!

We have already talked about how it is converted (see Eph 1:19 and Col 2:12). But there is one more thing we must understand, and that is the purpose of this power.

Go back to Acts 3:12f, the story of Peter healing the lame man. We looked at this yesterday. What purpose do you see here for God demonstrating His power?

Dynamis and Energio are for accomplishing God’s work and God’s plans, not ours. Col 1:29 and Eph 3:7 tell us God’s power was working in Paul for sharing the gospel and strengthening the church . While these are certainly God’s work, so is parenting a child, serving a friend, and loving our families. God gives us all the energy we need to do what He has given us to do!

Perhaps we often miss out on His power simply because we are pursuing our plans and goals and not His? It’s something to think about…

Chew on that and I’ll see you tomorrow

 
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Welcome to Day Three of our Group Challenge Week!

Think of all the energy stored at an electrical plant. These places are frequently (and appropriately) called “power plants.” Today, let’s see how we can be like that power plant.

One word used for “power” in the New Testament is “dynamis” from which we get our word “dynamite.” Power is defined as “rapid force” or the ability to quickly exert strength.

In the spiritual realm, power is supernatural. Like energy, it cannot be created. God is the Source and Owner of all power. In Matt 28:18 Jesus says, “All power has been given to Me.”

But get this: the Bible tells us that He places His “dynamis” power within us! He has chosen to use us as vessels and carriers of His power! Isn’t that incredible?

An example would be Peter in Acts 3. Take a moment to read Acts 3:1-13.

We see here that God exercised His “dynamis” power (see verse 12) through Peter. No one can rightfully claim to have power…but like Peter, we can be conduits for the expression of God’s power. In fact, that’s His plan.

Let’s look more at what the Bible teaches about His power in us.

Ephesians 3:20 says,  “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power (dynamis) that works within us…”

At this point you may be asking if this kind of power is just for a few spiritual elite? To answer this question, look at Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers in Ephesians 3:16 and his prayer for the Colossian believers in Colossians 1:11.

This power is not reserved for some spiritual elite. It is for every believer to experience in his/her inner person through the presence of the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 3:16).

We often think of Paul as a super-Christian, a one of a kind man that we could never be like. However, Paul tells us in Colossians 1:29 that he was a man who had learned to live according to God’s strength. Perhaps this was the key to his “supernatural” living. He lived by God’s strength, not His own.

Friend, Paul discovered how to live this way and so can we. God’s power resides within every believer in the form of the Holy Spirit and He desires to demonstrate it in and through each person “who believes.” Ephesians 1:19 says, “that you may know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”

The potential energy we hold in Christ is unleashed, put into effect, and made useable in our lives through faith. We must come to a place in our spiritual lives where we believe that God is good and faithful to the extent that He has granted us His power to accomplish His purposes. It is His grace alone that grants us this provision!

We must take up this faith as a lifestyle and like Paul, we must daily say, “The life that I now live (the empowered, supernatural life), I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (See Galatians 2:20)

How about it, friend? Today let’s exercise faith and convert some of that energy!

“So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” I Corinthians 2:5

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Welcome to Day Two of our Group Challenge Week!

You guys made my day and evening yesterday, just so you know. {If you aren’t participating on FB, you are really missing out, friends. These gals are great!}

Scientists have come up with a few laws related to energy. One is that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be converted from one form to another.

An example would be when electrical energy is converted into light and sound energy for TV watching.

Science also teaches that although there are many forms of energy, such as thermal, chemical, electrical, etc., there are two basic states of energy. One is potential energy and the other is kinetic energy.

This is important to understand because potential energy is stored energy while kinetic energy happens when there is movement or the activation of potential energy. Potential energy is available energy but it is not in use.

An example of this would be the fat cells in our bodies. The stored fat is potential energy available to us, but it is not in use.

To demonstrate these two states (potential and kinetic), try this: place a pen on the desk or table. This is potential energy. There is potential energy because the pen is raised to a level that if dropped, movement occurs. The higher the drop, the more potential energy you have sitting on that table.

Now push the pen off the table. You just saw kinetic energy at work! Potential energy is converted to kinetic energy when an object is given the freedom to move to a different position.

Now why are we reviewing potential and kinetic energy? Well, think through this with me:

• We know that energy is defined as “the ability to work” or simply “activity.”
• The “ability to work” happens when an object is given the freedom to move.
• The more potential for movement there is, the greater the energy potential.
• Finally, available energy does not automatically mean it is applied.

In light of this, look at Ephesians 2:1-7:

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world…But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

Can you see how this relates to our energy?

Just like that pencil laying on the ground has no potential for vertical movement, so we in our natural state are dead. We have no potential whatsoever for living godly or having spiritual fervor.

But God, the source of all power and energy, raised us up! He placed us in a position where we are~ if I can coin a term~ “potentialized.” In Christ we are “made alive” and “raised up” and “seated in the heavenly places.” Wowzers!

In Colossians 3, Paul writes, “Since you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking those things above and consider yourselves dead to…” and he goes on to list a slew of things like immorality, greed, anger, and evil speaking.

Whereas once we had no potential for movement or change, when Christ raised us up, we have all the potential we need to be a totally different person! We are now to consider ourselves dead to the old way of living!

Of course these scriptures have much more meaning and depth than the inferences we are making to energy. However, we cannot overlook the fact that in Christ, we have been raised up and given great potential for spiritual “activity” {ie energy.}

We don’t just want that energy sitting around like unused fat cells! We want to convert it into kinetic energy so that we are fueled for action! How does this happen? We’ll get there tomorrow! For today, meditate on the fact that in Christ, you are “potentialized.”

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 And Check out the generous Giveaway going on all week here

A generous friend of Arabah has supplied a giveaway for our Group Challenge Week!

Entering is easy and here’s what we have:

Vera Bradley Quick Draw Handbag: ($78 Value)

For you or the special woman in your life…this adorable bag.

“This cargo style fastens the fashionable way. An adjustable strap makes it easy to wear this drawstring style as a crossbody or a shoulder bag, and magnetic flap pockets are a perfect solution for keeping your phone, keys or other essentials at hand.”

Leslie Sansone: Walk Away the Pounds Ultimate Collection(A $10.99 Value)

This DVD includes 4 different workouts and a resistance band! Included in the collection are:

1 mile get up & get started – 18 minutes

2 mile brisk walk- 30 minutes

3 mile advanced walk- 51 minutes

4 mile super challenge- 60 minutes

 NALGENE Water Bottle ($5.84 Value)

This water bottle will help you track your water intake. Product features include:

• ~ 24-ounce water bottle made of tough Eastman Tritan polycarbonate
• ~ Fits in most car cup holders, bike cages, and exercise machines
• ~ Easy 1-handed flip-top lid for drinking on the go
• ~ BPA-free construction is impact-, odor, and stain-resistant
• ~ Sleek, slender profile; weighs 0.26 pounds

Lysa Terkeurst’s “Becoming More” {Participant’s Guide with DVD} ($21 value)
“Pack contains one softcover guide and one DVD.

How can ordinary, busy moms, wives, and workers step out of the drudgery of religious duty to experience a living, moment-by-moment, deeply intimate relationship with God? In six small group DVD sessions designed for use with the accompanying Participant’s Guide, Lysa shows women how they can transform their walk with God from lackluster theory to vibrant reality.”

and something for the entire family:

Mandie 2 DVD Set (Secret Tunnel and Cherokee Treasure) ($24 value)

“Based on the MANDIE book series written by Lois Leppard and set in the late 1800s, these films boast a delightful cast of characters who, in the tradition of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, learn valuable lessons as they conquer hardships and celebrate life’s triumphs. Young Mandie’s life changes when her Cherokee friends help her escape to a mansion that holds the hidden secrets of her past and the key to her future…filled with adventure, mystery, comedy, and romance.”

Suitable for the entire family.

Wow is all I have to say about this giveaway~ smile!

There are two ways to enter:

1) Blog, FaceBook, tweet about Challenge Week   and/or

2) Participate in Challenge Week on Facebook.

You can do both things each day …just come back and enter your points on the Rafflecopter form below.

Please be sure to link to our Energy Explosion website or Energy Explosion Facebook page in your posts/tweets so people know how to find us.

Giveaway will close at midnight on Sunday, April 1 and one winner takes all.

I hope this week blesses your socks off

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Welcome to Day One of our Group Challenge Week

I’m excited you are here!

{If you aren’t joining in on the Challenge, I hope you will stick around this week anyway because we have 7 days of devotions that will challenge your thinking and bless you. Plus there’s a giveaway open to anyone~ smile.}

Today let’s look at the two components to energy, from Romans 12:11.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11

“Zeal” refers to our actions and “fervor” refers to our attitudes.

Our energy is a combination of what we do and how we think.

First, we are to have “zeal” or diligence in what we do. To act diligently, we must have our bodies and minds properly fueled. Notice this verse is actually a command not to be lacking in zeal.

Let that sink in for a moment. God does not want us to lack. We are to work hard at whatever our hands find to do (Ecclesiastes 9:10 and Colossians 3:23-24). We are to carry out daily actions with enthusiasm and wisdom, not being lazy, sluggish, or apathetic.

God’s desire is that we have everything we need to live each and every day in this manner.

Take a moment and ask yourself if this describes the way you go about your daily life.

God has provided what it takes to fulfill with gusto the work He has given us to do.

Are you a mom with many demands being made of you? God does not want you to lack the zeal and fuel necessary for the fulfillment of those demands! Are you a caregiver or a mail deliverer or a financial planner? What work has God given you to do? What are the demands God has placed on you? Take a moment to list them.

Whatever God has given you to do, Hebrews 6:11-12 and Romans 12:11 tell us that we are to be diligent and not become sluggish. We must believe that God wants us to lack nothing we need to carry out these responsibilities with strength, diligence, and wisdom.

Think about that! My friend, God deeply cares about our energy levels!

This week, we are going to challenge each other and with the Lord’s help, come to a place where we know how to keep ourselves fueled and aflame so that we can live energetic, enthusiastic lives.

I can’t promise it will be an easy week. But it will definitely be worth it and you won’t be doing it alone!

So…back to our focus passage….

“Zeal” is only one part of the equation. The other half is “fervor.”

Fervor addresses our attitude. The literal meaning of the Greek word means “to boil” and refers to having sufficient heat to produce the necessary energy to get the job done (think of a steam engine). This involves an attitude of persistence.

Another way to translate fervor is “aglow” – red hot with power. John 2:14-17 uses this term to describe Jesus. He was consumed with this fervor, this red hot power, and it drove Him to action. He was energized from the inside out.

Likewise, God desires us to be sufficiently motivated by our inner fervor so that we can accomplish our outer activity.

Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, it is to be done enthusiastically, energetically, and purposefully, from the inside out and for the glory of God. God does not desire lethargy, apathy, sluggishness, passivity, or boredom.

So that’s what this week is about! Are you up for the challenge? It may seem a tall order right now, but remember, God is for you and is helping you. He never commands what He does not supply. Shall we step out in faith together?

Read the quote below and today, prayerfully respond to the command of Romans 12:11.

“To be fervent in spirit is to be filled with an intensity, an enthusiasm, even a passion, in everything.     It requires accepting and treating every task- of every size- as a direct assignment from the Lord (which, by the way, it is).

This fervency demands a higher level of energy-     emotional, spiritual, and many times physical. It’s not for those who love their laziness and lethargy. It’s for those who want to experience an increased effectiveness in influencing those around them, more efficient productivity, and a substantially greater  amount of responsibility and opportunity to serve the Lord in real ways.

Are you willing to give up the comfort of apathetic ease? It’s a sacrifice, but it’s a life-changing and ministry-changing decision.”

Steven Corbett Jr

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**The $1 Offer is now over; but never fear, you can order the book anytime during Challenge Week for only $2.99~ smile~ See you soon!

Sometimes I wonder what I can do to serve those who so bless me. I’m refering to you, my reader and friend.

It seems such a long shot, to really give back and express how you have blessed me. So I write your names in my prayer journal and I pray for you. And I open up my heart and write, hoping someone who needs them happens upon words that will bless.

And then…an opportunity for something special.

 I have a special invitation for you that I consider a gift from me to you. Oh, I hope you accept it!

Quite simply, I invite you to fulfill Romans 12:11 in your life, to learn how to keep yourself fueled and aflame. The invitation is for you to do Energy Explosion together with me~ smile!

Starting on Monday, anyone interested is invited to join our 7 Day Group Challenge on Facebook where we will discuss tips, strategies, scriptures, recipes and more to keeping ourselves fueled and energized.

Additionally, I have done a study on energy from the scriptures and will share daily devotions during Challenge Week. I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned, it has blown me away!

And finally, I have a fun giveaway planned, as a little thank you and perk~ smile.

{If you have no idea what Energy Explosion is, you can read all about the eBook and see what others have to say here.}

 And one final thing! To gear up for Challenge Week, I have a special offer for Today Only. Energy Explosion is only $1!

$1 TODAY ONLY   

(for the PDF version; It is available on Kindle and Nook for only $4.99)

So don’t just *wish* for more energy. My gift to you is an opportunity for it to actually happen.

Purchase the book here:

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May you keep yourselves fueled and aflame, my friends.