Posts by April Moore
How Do I Know When I Am Offended?
Emotional Intelligence is being able to identify when an offense has actually occurred.
Sometimes an offense was done AGAINST you, but that doesn’t make YOU offended. You know that it wasn’t right, you know that it wasn’t ok. You are not pleased with it. But you may not have actual offense in your heart.
An offended heart is bitter and holds resentment. It has not forgiven.
When an offense has been done and you are displeased with it, disappointed, you may act accordingly. You may have different boundaries and you may need to operate differently with the person/ organization.
It may even still hurt and disappointed… but there is a a difference between being wounded and offended.
Here are questions to ask yourself:
- Have I genuinely (not lying to myself) forgiven them?
- Have I taken appropriate responsibility where it is warranted? Not just looked at their part?
- Have I released them in my heart?
- Have I sat with God and identified my feelings about this?
You may have to still deal with hurt feelings, but when bitterness and resentment have set it… there is still anger directed at whomever you are offended toward.
Sometimes we don’t actually know when we are hurt because we aren’t used to identifying our pain.
In the next blog we will explore more on how to identify when you are in pain.
Scammers, Low Ballers and Bidding Ward – Oh my!
Integrity and Scams you may want to watch for.
So it has been so interesting selling our Airbnb items 😂. Here is a nice little scam I got hit with from FB Marketplace, though many have been nice.
My husband and I are HEAVY when teaching Marketplace Christianity and Integrity. We even counsel regular workers, Managers and Entrepreneurs in this area. So the following didn’t cause an emotional response from me… just a funny observation.
THE SCAMMER – I was asked to call/ text a woman. She didn’t pick up, but she texted back saying she didn’t want to be scammed and that she sent me a Google code to my phone. Then she wanted me to TELL her what the code was. Pretty sure she was trying to hack my email address. Otherwise lady if you wanted to know I was a real person, you should have picked up the phone smh.
THE LOW BALLER – Some negotiations are EXPECTED at times. But the prices I was asked were, well interesting. 😂 People have a right to ask. Nothing wrong with that! And I can decide if I am ok with it or not. But the guilt trip when I don’t accept is the true heart of a low baller 😂😂. And it doesn’t work or reflect well.
It is hard having to sell things at 50% – 75% of what you bought it for and it was gently used. Let alone a whole house. So we wanted to be fair. I have had the funniest offers. It’s cool though. But many appreciated the value they were getting, considering what we were literally giving away with a lot of items. And they sold quickly… there is no way you’d find this quality in a store especially with inflation right now.
We were trying to be a blessing. But this is something I expected. I always try to remember that the person I am buying from is a real person and try not to be just out for just myself when purchasing. Likewise those I am selling to. I try to price things that will be a win win.
THE BIDDING WAR – This was the funniest. I was low balled initially on an offer and then the offer moved to being over my asking price for something when they learned it was already sold. I said they were welcome to purchase the one available item but I was firm that I honor first come first serve on the other item and that one was spoken for.
Now…. I KNOW it is worth double or more than what I am selling it for. But I chose the price… I promised someone first rights to it because they committed firmly to getting it. If they don’t come through, then I will go back to those who offered. The person agreed and I appreciate them for trying but I didn’t flinch or even consider it. It isn’t fair… and I promised. I appreciated her though… she seems sweet.
I am saying all of this because these are examples of heart conditions we have. Separating our attitudes in dealing with money vs valuing people or even honoring God in our money and business dealings.
It is soooo important to BE a LIGHT in these situations. Like I always say… it is not ok to say… it’s just business, nothing personal. Not when you represent a Living God who sees all. He can and will give back to us much more when we have integrity when it comes to money. It’s just a few household items but I am shooting for a “Well done” in heaven.
Money ain’t worth more than PEOPLE. Ever….
Unity is VERY important for the year of 2022!
Unity in the Body of Christ has been HEAVY on my heart for over a year.
It seems so hard to see true unity in the Body of Christ. But just remember that unity takes character, love and insight from the Lord. You won’t always agree in unity. But you can choose to be IN agreement with other true Believers in areas you DO agree.
Issues like differences in politics, healthcare, pandemics and so much more have been subjects of division. Our pride asserts we MUST be right and WIN an argument and demand that another of His beloved is just wrong and without worth. We devalue His Beloved. THEY are to LOSE… but not us!!! Is God really MORE concerned about you being right or you walking in RIGHTEOUSness?
And petty or mean posts aren’t the way to stay unified through differences.
The enemy is very intentional and cunning in shutting down the advancements of the Kingdom. All while we tear each other down and give into the temptations he throws at us. He’s being effective.
SO MUST WE! We have the authority to allow or disallow the enemy to win against our unity. Unity helps us advance!
Call out sin with those who stray. Seek to win them, pray for them and not shame them in your news feeds this year.
There are other Prophets that may have more insight on the big things that are ahead and I’m ok with staying in my lane.
But I DO know that 2020-2021 were years that tested our unity. And many of us failed. We did not pray and remain rooted in love. Not saying you had to remain aligned with malignancies. Because these years revealed the deeper, darker parts of the hearts of mankind globally.
What I’m saying is did you get offended and allow offense to remain? Did you get bitter and not pull out of it?
Others can tell you specifics. But I DO know that there’s more testing of unity coming, our hearts and stances in the Kingdom will be tested. Our political views will be more challenged (hint… we should ascend our perspective above ANY party by the way). More and bigger trials against unity are coming. Decide now how your heart posture will stand amidst adversity and against more of the ugly becoming unconvered in people’s lives.
Will you pray for the fallen? Or will you take your privilege of salvation and safety for granted OR use that privilege with your authority to pray, to educate and heal others?
It’s time to align strongly with the Lord. Come out of carnality and your own ways… focusing on the distractions of life and looking AROUND you. It’s time to stand firm in your trust in Him. Level up your insight and refuse to bow to lower level thinking. You’re made for more and you were PLACED in this world at this TIME in history for a reason.
A Biblical Model for Praying for Growth
A Biblical Model for Praying for Growth
A sweet believer has been running a struggling business for a long time. She never makes more than a pittance from her time and often struggles to pay her bills.
Asked if she prayed for her business, she shook her head, smiled and said, ‘No, God has given me love, grace, forgiveness and daily bread – I won’t ask for anything more than that.’
I don’t tell you about her to criticize her attitude, not at all. That’s awesome! But the Bible clearly states “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
John 14:14 NASB
We all have different goals and dreams. Some of you want to build a business to provide a part time income that gives you the ability to stay home with your kids and have no interest in growing beyond that point.
Some of you though… you have big dreams for your biz!
If you have been a believer for at least ten years you’ve probably heard of a little book by Bruce Wilkinson titled the Prayer of Jabez.
If you haven’t heard of it or if you never got a copy of your own to enjoy, I recommend it.
The book is based on this verse in the Bible:
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV) reads:
“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
If you Google the Prayer of Jabez you’ll find quite a few opinions both good and bad – but you can’t argue with the Bible on this. Jabez prayed for increase and God gave it to him!
Don’t let anything stop you from crying out to God about your business and all of its related needs.
God equips you to run your business, if you’re doing what He has called you to do he will certainly be faithful to provide you with the tools and resources you need to make it profitable.
Praying For Your Business
Praying For Your Business
I know quite a few Christians who have been taught that it is selfish to ask God for anything but I just can’t find that in the Bible.
God does say not to worry, that he knows what we need, that we should seek His kingdom and will first and trust that he’ll provide for us.
What it does not say is that it’s wrong to come to him about those needs. In fact, in 1 Peter 5:7 it says: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Our Father cares about us. Yes, he knows our needs already – but he always welcomes our prayers about those needs.
(It’s important to realize that Worry isn’t Prayer and Prayer isn’t Worry!)
It’s in prayer that we often hear from God about how he plans to provide for those needs.
It’s often in the midst of prayer that we’ll get clarity about our situation and be able to see God’s clear direction for our business.
So don’t be shy. Take your needs list to God in prayer today and ask him to open your eyes to his plans for your business today.
If you want to build your faith and be sure to give God all the glory down the road, start a business prayer journal and jot down the needs and situations you share with God in prayer.
Look back over your lists every now and then and highlight the answered needs and solved situations.
You’ll be blown away at what you see, I’m sure of it!
Stretching Your Faith!
Stretching Your Faith
And so we begin!
Every month we’ll kick off with a ‘Stretching Your Faith’ message. I don’t want you to put a single finger to work until you’ve been reminded that you have been created for a purpose and that God has a plan for your days.
Knowing this to be true, we should approach our activities with enthusiasm but that isn’t always the case is it?
No, some days we drag ourselves out from between the sheets with a sigh and inward feelings of antipathy.
(an·tip·a·thy = A strong feeling of aversion or repugnance.)
In future months we’ll definitely be covering the importance of choosing work that you enjoy – so that you won’t dread your work!
For today I want to simply encourage you to approach your day with an attitude of wonderful expectation.
Maybe you don’t love what you’re going to have to do to make a dollar today – but you have the opportunity to make one and that’s worth celebrating isn’t it?
If you’re not 100% satisfied with your business today, you can still kick off the work week with an attitude of grateful appreciation.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Whatever you do, don’t grumble and groan about it. Why? Because the words you speak matter.
Proverbs 18:21 in the New Living Translation says: “Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life.”
If you’re going to talk about your work, shouldn’t you speak positive words over it?
Here’s a real-life example:
Gert has a young Virtual Assistant business that has no steady clientele yet and she is worried about whether her promotional efforts are ever going to pay off.
Option A: She can wake up stressed, spend some time whining about her concerns, verbally fretting to a friend that she may have chosen the wrong business, the wrong target market or the wrong promotional tools. She finally gets down to work with a total lack of confidence.
Option B: She can wake up determined, spend some time praying for her business and tells a friend how glad she is to be creating something she really enjoys. Is it any wonder that she tackles the day with excited expectation?
Attitude is everything and the words you speak DO matter.
If you tend towards negativity or if your situation is really stressful right now, choosing to be positive with your words may be challenging – but I’m asking you to stretch your faith and give it a real effort.
I’ve never heard even one person express regret over having been positive all day 😉
Confess One To Another
Confess One To Another
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16, NIV
Delaney had started viewing porn when she was a teenager. She was over at her uncle’s house and he didn’t have the adult channels blocked on TV. She was channel-flipping one night when she came across it.
As she got older and had computer access, she started regularly viewing it. She felt deep shame over the habit but she didn’t know who to talk to. She’d never heard of women dealing with sexual addictions.
When she was in her twenties, she started attending a women’s group at her church. After one service, she struck up a conversation with the lady next to her. The other woman revealed a struggle with porn and asked if Delaney would be willing to be her accountability partner.
According to Fight the New Drug, 1 out of every 3 women watches pornography once a week. Although once viewed as only a male problem, porn is becoming increasingly among women of all ages.
Some magazines and media channels promote porn as a good thing claiming that it “empowers” women. But that’s simply not true. Porn distorts relationships and destroys marriages.
If you’re struggling with porn, find an accountability partner to talk with. You can also download apps like Fortify that can encourage you to avoid porn.
God, help me to stop hiding my sin. Instead, send me a loving friend that I can share my struggles with. Forgive me for my sins and set me free! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Praying for Those who Doubt
“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.” – John 20:24, NIV
Henry had been a pastor for over twenty years. He loved the little church he ministered over and delighted in serving them. He watched children grow up to become adults who brought their littles on to the Sunday services.
But when his own daughter returned from college questioning her faith, Henry felt like a failure. He searched and searched, trying to understand what he’d done wrong. He was terrified to share his daughter’s questions with the congregation.
He finally reached out to a mentor. The older man listened to him as Henry poured out his heart, uncertain of how he should respond to his daughter. Finally, his mentor said, “Do you know what Jesus did with Doubting Thomas? He let him touch his scars. Jesus doesn’t shoo away doubters, rather he invites them closer.”
When loved ones doubt their faith or question God, it can be upsetting. We worry that we’ve failed and we wonder how to show them love in the middle of their doubts. Follow Jesus as your example—invite them to bring out their doubts. Let them wrestle through this season. You never know what Jesus will reveal to them.
Jesus, I pray for (name). I think they’re doubting their faith and that scares me. Oh, show up in my loved one’s life! Reveal Your gentle touch…show them Your scars and let them know they can trust you. In Your name, Amen.
Peace in the Middle
3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord is everlasting strength. -Isa. 26:3-4 NKJV
Katie had a normal pregnancy. When she went into labor, she called her husband who met her at the hospital. They had prayed over and anticipated the arrival of their first son for months.
But as soon as he was born, doctors ushered the newborn away from his parents. That’s when Katie knew something was wrong. The doctor returned a few minutes later to explain that their child was born with deformities and would need a series of surgeries as he grew.
It was months before Katie was able to take her son home. Even then, he had many medical needs and was a sickly child. On the evening before one of his surgeries, she was terrified something would go wrong.
She managed to sleep for a few hours and when she woke the morning of the surgery, she felt a deep peace in her soul. She knew whatever happened that her son was safe in God’s hands.
It wasn’t until after she checked her voicemail messages later that day she understood why. Her friends had organized a prayer vigil and spent the entire night in prayer over her son.
If someone you know is going through a difficult time, you can pray that they would be held in perfect peace. Peace is not the absence of pain but the assurance of God’s presence in the middle of it all.
God, I pray for (name) that they would feel Your presence today. Grant them peace. Send worry, doubt, and pain far from them. Guard their heart so they would know that You are watching over them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.