In this episode,  we will be building upon the foundation of our previous discussion centered around 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 ("washed, sanctified, justified") - by moving onto Paul's statements concerning believers and marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:

"But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

We discuss the merits of singlehood and marriage from a Christ-centered perspective, and the importance of 'living as we are called' and keeping our focus on Christ during every stage of life...

To God be the glory!

- with love, Yemurai

Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 7:29-40, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

lookatGodministries.com (our website has changed - hooray :-) !)

In this episode, we will be taking an in-depth look at a specific passage in 1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 6:9-20) that outlines who we were before we became born again through Christ, and what this means for the Holy Spirit-led and filled lives that God is calling us to lead now - as "new creatures":

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

We discuss the importance of understanding what it means to be in a true Covenant-based relationship with God, and honoring the significance of our Covenant with Him through glorifying Him in body AND in spirit:

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

We also discuss the importance of trusting God's Word on anything over our own feelings, opinions, and preconceptions about it - as well as over the thoughts and opinions of opposing or competing voices in the world:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

- Proverbs 3:5-6

As we continuously obey the voice of God, He leads us into greater wisdom, and from that wisdom, greater peace. 

There may always be things that don't immediately make "sense" to us from a strictly natural perspective, but with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and guiding us every step of the way, we are able to take on an increasingly "super-natural" and Christ-like perspective concerning all things instead. As we intentionally set aside doing things according to "our way" and "our standards", we can receive the truly good and beautiful things that come with being in a deep, loving, and reciprocal Covenant-based relationship with the Creator and Lover of our souls: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit.

Hallelujah!

In the next part of this segment, we will further discuss how to identify and overcome bodily idols in our lives, and how to better live lives that are led by the desires of the Spirit - and not the lusts of the flesh. We will also take a look at the matter of sexual purity from a Covenant-based perspective, and discuss ways that we can trust and honor God even in the area of our sexuality and physical relationships.  

I pray these messages are a blessing to you and help you in continuing on with your walk and developing a deeper and more loving relationship with Christ. 

All glory belongs to God.

- your sister in Christ | "look at God"

www.theflamelilydiaries.com

The Physical Body V: "The Tongue": Truth, Treasures, and Traps, Part 2

In this continuation fifth part of our discussion of our physical bodies - "The First Temple" - we will complete our discussion on the importance of our tongues within a Christ-Centered perspective. 

In this part, we discuss some of the more supernatural uses of the tongue - from the perspective of spiritual gifts such as prayer, prophecy, "speaking in tongues", and intercession for others

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils;

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all [a]with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues." - 1 Corinthians 12:7-10

"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church." - 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 

"Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied." - Acts 19:4-6

With love in Christ,

Yemurai

The Physical Body V: "The Tongue": Truth, Treasures, and Traps, Part 1

In this fifth part of our discussion of our physical bodies - "The First Temple" - we will be discussing the importance of our tongues within a Christ-Centered perspective.

The tongue is a small but powerful member in our physical bodies, with immediate as well as eternal effects. In this first part of the discussion we look at some practical wisdom and instructions about using our tongues as instruments of righteousness, through the overall perspective of our bodies as organic temples of the Holy Spirit in us (1 Corinthians 6:15-20). We discuss the importance of spreading and preaching the Truth (Jesus Christ), using our tongues to bless God through gratitude and praise, as well as some "traps" to avoid with the words we speak about and to others.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit."

- Proverbs 18:21

In the following part, we will discuss some of the more supernatural uses of the tongue - from the perspective of spiritual gifts such as prayer, prophecy, "speaking in tongues", and intercession for others. 

I hope this message opens "the eyes of your understanding" to the reality of your tongue as a vessel of either blessing or cursing.  I pray that you will be encouraged to seek God for further wisdom and revelation on this topic, and ultimately choose blessing over cursing - life over death.

With love in Christ,

Yemurai

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9-10

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come." - Ephesians 1:18-21

"The Body: Covering, Covenant & Communion"

In this episode we will be discussing the keys to physical healing and restoration in our bodies from a Christ-centered perspective.

God is health and healing comes directly from Him. In order to walk in health and to walk in healing, we must look to Him and believe in what He says by applying it and trusting Him with all our hearts, souls, and strength. 

Many illnesses can be the result of unresolved stress or trauma in our souls, which have a damaging or burdening impact on our physical bodies as well. The Scriptures tell us that "the thief" comes to "steal, kill, and destroy", but that Christ came that we might have "life, and life more abundantly" (John 10:10). An abundant life in Christ includes physical renewal, acceptance, and appreciation of the bodies that He has given us to be His temples on earth, as well as the restoration of our souls, which has the ability to soften and transform the attitudes of our hearts towards ourselves, towards God, and towards others.

In this episode we'll also address the physical implications of forgiveness and un-forgiveness, and how the blood and resurrection power of Christ can give us the supernatural strength to truly repent, truly forgive, and truly be forgiven in Him. 

Once again, I pray that this episode will open the eyes of your understanding and point you to look at the only true God, through looking at the only true Savior and Healer: His "only begotten Son" - Christ - Himself. 

For some additional resources for people interested in reading or learning more about physical healing, deliverance, and even pursuing a career in medicine or healing from a Christ centered perspective, I recommend checking out the below books:

- Christ the Healer - F.F Bosworth

I also recommend studying all the passages in the New Testament where Jesus performed any act of healing, and using these as your main point of reference and guidance when it comes to believing and applying the healing and miraculous power of God in your life. Never take anyone's word for it at face value - take GOD'S WORD directly. 

I also intend to post some audio prayers on the Look at God website (theflamelilydiaries.com) pertaining to healing and other subjects, which you can listen to and receive inspiration or even the gift of faith to be healed and set free from anything - as God wills and the Holy Spirit leads.

Thank you again for listening and may you continue to "prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers"  - through looking at God and obeying His voice. 

Your sister in Christ,

Yemurai

Key Scriptures referenced:

- 3 John 2:2

In this episode we will be discussing the "beautification" or beautifying of the temple of God - our physical bodies. 

Some questions we'll address:

- What is "beauty" from a Christ-centered/ God-glorifying perspective?

- How can walking with God and worshiping Him "in Spirit and truth" enhance our physical beauty and appreciation of who we are in Christ?

- How can we use beauty to bless others and point them to the saving power of God and the gospel of Christ?

- What is the "miracle working power of God" and how does it relate to transforming our pre-exisiting perceptions of beauty, and how we are meant to "attain" or "maintain" it?

I pray this message blesses and inspires you to look at and look to God for ALL THINGS - and to remember "the keys to the Kingdom": believing, trusting, yielding, and finally, RECEIVING from God. 

Your sister in Christ,

Yemurai

"27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?"

Luke 12:27-28

Key Scriptures referenced:

- Ephesians 1:3-6 (Please meditate on the whole chapter!!)

- Psalm 29:1-2

- **1 Corinthians 10:13 (I accidentally referenced 2nd Corinthians in the broadcast)

- Isaiah 61:10

"The Body: Covenant, Communion, & Covering" Part 2

This is a continuation of the previous discussion we held on the importance of maintaining and honoring our physical bodies as part of a Christ-centered life. In this segment we go more in depth about ways that we can enhance our bodies' abilities to be used as vessels of honor and glory for God, through practical advice on nutrition and balance, using sound information and wisdom from scholarly and biblical sources. We discuss the differences between what is "natural" and what is pure, and what is "spiritual" vs what is Holy. We also discuss simple and affordable ways to incorporate healthy staples into your diet and reduce the amounts of chemical toxins consumed from day to day.  

Most importantly, we talk about the necessity of having a strong and stable connection with Christ first, and being led by the Holy Spirit in all things concerning the health of both our bodies and our souls. 

Below is a helpful acronym for some of the key building blocks when it comes to maintaining a healthy life and a healthy body:

NEW START:

For more information on how to become born again and ways to begin or continue your relationship with Christ, visit the look at God website at theflamelilydiaries.com and check out the Q&A section for my take on topics such as salvation, sanctification, and on-going but lasting deliverance.  

For women interested in living a more balanced and Christ-centered lifestyle based on biblical truths and wisdom, check out "Holy Spirit-Filled Womanhood, Vol 1: Purity, Pursuit, & Purpose" available in 2020 through the look at God website. 

Thank you for listening!

with love,

Your sister in Christ,

- Yemurai

Key Scriptures Referenced this episode:

Remember:

"Don't tell God how big your problems are, tell problems how big the God you serve is."

Keep looking at God and watch everything else get clearer and clearer... 

"The Body: Covenant, Communion, & Covering"

In today's society, there are many public discussions about the potential rebuilding of the "third temple" in the Middle East and its impact on a variety of political and religious groups. Those conversations can be insightful and thought-provoking, but this discussion will focus on the "First" - or original -  temple of God on earth: the physical body. 

In this first of the segment on the body, we will be addressing some of the below questions and laying a solid foundation for future parts on the role of the Soul and our own spirits in bringing the Kingdom of God on earth and living out truly Christ-centered lives:

- What is the purpose of the physical body in the life of someone who has been born again & how can we use our physical bodies to glorify God "in Spirit and truth" (John 4:24)?

Overall, I hope this first installment inspires you to reflect on the marvelous work of God in you - body, soul, and spirit - and to seek His will for your life through Christ more and more. 

For questions about how to begin or navigate your walk with Christ, check out the Q&A section on the website for some commonly asked questions regarding salvation, sanctification, and deliverance from demonic spirits. 

For more detailed information on the subject of this talk from a more woman-centered perspective, keep an eye out for the book "Holy Spirit-Filled Womanhood, Vol I: Purity, Pursuit, & Purpose" available in 2020 via the look at God website (theflamelilydiaries.com).

Remember, the more you look at God, the clearer everything else will be.

In other words:

"Don't tell God how big your problems are.

with love, 

your sister in Christ,

Nina Yemurai

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