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"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 2:5

After praying for a home and having many doors shut, the only door that opened led to an apartment instead of my dream home. I believed I was led by the Holy Spirit and yet after moving in one night as I rested about 2:00 am, over my head, I heard the domestic violence of my neighbors. Then two days later I heard the same. I was soo nervous and afraid for the young lady. I questioned whether I should call the police. Then I questioned should I call and report them to management. Maybe I should ask for another apartment? Satan whispered, “Your apartment is lovely but you will never have peace. Look at what your God has given you after faithfully serving Him." Then the Lord sent His Word to deliver. Psalm 107:20 The Lord said Paradigm Shift. Hmmm....

Paradigm: A standard, perspective, or set of ideas. A new way of looking or thinking about something ______________________________________________________________________________

“Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia , because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia , but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas .” Acts 16:6-7

I believe sometimes we forget that we are no longer our own. We were bought with the precious blood of Christ and now are His. 1 Corinthians 6:20 We are living sacrifices, used for His holy purpose. Romans 12:1 Although there is nothing wrong with seeking a home, wealth, and security, first and foremost we are now disciples. Matthew 16:24-25

“That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.” Acts 16:8-9

[Billy Graham said“Christianity has become so respectable and so conventional that it is insipid.” He then offered this prayer, “Instill in me, Jesus, the same savor that the disciples showed as they lived so enthusiastically for you.”] Filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples were passionate, selfless, driven, purposed, focused, bold, fearless, committed, devoted, loyal, obedient, courageous and humble---all for the cause of the cross.

As Paul and Silas journeyed, there were pleasant times of prayer and sharing the gospel. Some were saved and baptized and even provided them with hospitality Acts 16:13-15, as we too will experience sometimes. But there will be those times when all hell will break loose. Satan and his demons will not let your path be a bed of roses. Paul and Silas cast out a demon which prevented the people from making money. Acts 16:18-24 In other words they went into Satan's territory and messed up his plan. Why do you think all hell breaks loose sometimes when you are somewhere sharing the Word? 1 Peter 4:12 Sometimes you don't have to say anything, just show up and hell erupts. John 3:19-20

The song says, “Where He leads me I will follow, where he leads me I will follow, where he leads me I will follow, I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way." Where has the Spirit led you? In the grocery store line where the cashier is downright ugly or extreeemmly slow? In a job where the new manager is extremely hard to work with? In your home where your cousin visits and is always drunk? Just maybe someone prayed and cried out to the Lord for help and He sent you. Hmmm….

Maybe you have been praying for God to rescue you from some sort of situation. Paul and Silas sang praises to God in the midst of their affliction. Acts 16:25-26 Christians! We need a Paradigm Shift. In other words we should take on the Mind of Christ which is God's purpose, God's plan, and God's perspective. Here's a thought, Instead of being anxious in the grocery line and calling for the manager, sing praises to God while you wait. Hmmm…. Even with the opportunity to escape, Paul and Silas remained, not thinking of themselves, but of the others, knowing that the jailer would have died physically and more importantly, eternally. Acts 16:27-30

By yielding to the Spirit and His fruit, your kindness, prayers, longsuffering, gentleness, may cause someone to ask you, “What must I do to be saved?” And you too can simply say, “…believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

As Paul and Silas, led by the Spirit, were beaten and jailed to meet the Jailer, the very one who needed salvation; you may have gone through bad traffic, was yelled at, cursed at, got a ticket before you got there, placed with an unruly boss, all because God was directing you to a loss soul. Stop complaining and start taking on the mindset of Christ daily. We are His body, hands, feet, mouth, arms and heart. 2 Corinthians 4:10 We are His disciples. Luke 9:23

God says, “___________ (insert your name) I have called you with a great calling. It's no longer about your comfort for I will provide that, it is to provide comfort and safety to the loss. Wherever you are, look with your spiritual eye and pray, stay prepared to share the Good News, and I will give the increase."
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After receiving this Word I had a Paradigm Shift. In other words I took on the Mind of Christ, God's purpose, God's plan, and God's perspective. One night, as the fighting began, I fell on the floor and cried out for their souls. I pled the blood of Jesus. I stood in the gap for them both and continued to pray. I annoited the ceilings with oil. My God is not a man that He should lie, If He said it He will do it and if He spoke it He will make it good. I now wait with great anticipation for the salvation of their souls. As the Spirit leads I will continue in prayer! Can you please join me and lift up a prayer for this couple and for all who need salvation and deliverance from domestic violence? Thank you!

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