How to Live in Victory Over Your Circumstances

Life has its challenges, for sure. Some of us are facing illness or health challenges. For others, it could be a broken relationship, financial stress, or loss of a loved one. Some of us are facing more than one of these. Storms often seem overwhelming and insurmountable while we are going thru them, but the key is to keep our focus on the Resurrection power of Jesus Christ. And that my friends, is why we celebrate Easter. 

A Little History Lesson
Jesus Christ was a real person, not just a prophet, not just a teacher, who lived about 2000 years ago. More importantly, he was the incarnate Son of God which means he is personification of Holy God. He became flesh so that we may know who God is and what we wants of us, to believe in him and to follow him. The Garden of Eden didn't work out. The Ten Commandments didn't work either, so God chose his one and only Son, Jesus, to come down from Heaven to this earth to show us how it's done. 

The Problem 

Jesus did many miracles. Raised people from the dead. Gave sight to the blind. People were flocking to him everywhere. But. He was becoming too popular with the Jewish people. The Jewish religious leaders of the day were afraid of losing their power over the people and of the Roman soldiers having to step in. It was all about control, power, and ego. Not much has changed has it? Look at Putin for example. 

The Decision

Jesus was persecuted by the Jewish leaders of the time which led to a shameful and humiliating death on the cross at the hands of the Roman govenor, Pilate. He knew Jesus was an innocent man, yet he gave in to the misguided people. He, too, was weak and afraid and was already under scrutiny from Rome. It takes courage to do the right thing. 

Atonement

Until then, the only way to absolve people of their sins was by the shedding of blood, usually an animal, typically a lamb. Blood is the only way to atone for sin and Jesus willingly surrendered his life so that our sins could be atoned for once and for all eternity. This is why Jesus is called the sacrificial lamb. And this is why we take communion - to remember that only the blood of the lamb can make us holy in the eyes of God. 

 

What This Means to Us

The fantastic news is that when we meet with a situation that seems impossible to us, we can call on the name of Jesus and he can turn it around. I have seen many miraculous breakthroughs,  healings, and solutions because of prayer and calling out to Jesus. There is supernatural power in the name of Jesus Christ. Yet, so many of us fail to use this power and then wonder why we struggle. 

When we celebrate Easter, we are reminded of new life and transformation, victory over sin and death, triumph over evil. When we look at the cross, we are reminded that new life can come out of what appears to be dead. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we receive Jesus' Resurrection power thru the Holy Spirit. This is why I pass on Buddhism, Islam, and all the other belief systems out there. Only Jesus rose from the dead and only He can bring life from death.

Personal Story
I have seen this power in action in my own life many times. God has restored me from several serious illnesses that the doctors could not figure out. I remember one stroke specialist at Johns Hopkins scratching his head and muttering to himself about the vestibular migraines I was having. 

After a bankruptcy and a nasty divorce, Christ has restored my finances and moved me to a place of provision and abundance. After being raised in a chaotic and dysfunctional home, he has replaced fear, worry, and anxiety with faith, peace and joy. He has given me peace after my oldest son decided to estrange himself from me for no apparent reason. And that is what I want to share with you, dear friend. No matter what painful things you have gone thru, Jesus can heal you. He can give you a peace that passes all understanding. That is why I put all this effort into writing this blog. Jesus has transformed my life. What he has done for me he can and will do for you when you put your trust in him. 

   

We were not made to endure all these things on our own. Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

Peace through the Pain  

Easter is a time to be transformed. God sees every pain and hurt we endure. He sees our fears, our shame, our guilt,  and he wants to renew us by transforming our minds. We were not meant to live stressed out, anxious, defeated lives fearing when the next shoe will drop. 

When we accept Jesus, we learn to trust, to have peace and hope despite our circumstances, and to forgive those who have hurt us. His plan for us is for good and not for evil. No matter what mistakes we may have made or what others may have done to us, God is able to make us new and whole again. This is the power of the Resurrection. 

A time for renewal and forgiveness.

Easter is a time to let go of the old, and embrace the new. It is a time to let God heal our hearts, by filling it with the great love he has to offer us through His son, Jesus Christ. It is up to each of us whether or not we choose to receive this free gift of grace and love. 

My life has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; so in a spirit of humility and thankfulness, I offer some reflections on what Easter means to me, and I trust that they will encourage and comfort you as well. When we pause to look at the cross, somehow it puts our "light and momentary afflictions" into perspective.

Easter reminds me that:

- I always have another opportunity for transformation and change

- miracles still happen when I believe 

- God's grace is sufficient for me

- Jesus paid the price for all my sins and mistakes, past, present and future

- God is always there no matter how far away I drift from Him

- no matter how dark it may look on Friday, Sunday is coming

- when I wonder "Does God really love me?" all I have to do is look at Jesus' outstretched arms on the cross and hear him say "I love you this much"

- when I am suffering, I know Jesus has suffered so much more than I ever will and that makes my pain more bearable

- no matter what I have lost or how much I have been hurt, misunderstood, or mistreated, God can bring healing and peace to my soul 

A Prayer to Remember
Here is one of my favorite prayers that helps guide me on how to handle the adversities of love. May it encourage you today. 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

For Reflection 

Where do you want to see new life? What seems dead? Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Do you believe in the Resurrection? If not, will you accept him into your life as Lord and Savior today and allow him to restore and renew you? 

If you are a believer, will you rededicate your life to him and live the abundant life he promises us? We are each on our own spiritual journey and it is up to us which path to choose. 

May God fill you with his great love and peace. May he heal your broken places, and make you new. Amen and amen. 

If this post has encouraged you, join our community by entering your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly newsletter plus a copy of my free guide entitled "How to Develop a Spiritual Practice", which details the 10 daily practices for connecting deeper with yourself and God. 

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you find healing, wholeness, and harmony and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

How to Keep Hope Alive During the Holidays

Do you look forward to the holidays? Or do you wish you could pull the covers over your head and wake up when they are all over? Not to fret! I have learned the trick to enjoying the holidays, no matter what is going on in my life and I am sharing it with you this month in our holiday series. 

 

The First Week of Advent

This is the first week of Advent and I want to help us focus on something that will keep us going all through the year whatever it may bring and that is the first gift of Christmas, which is the gift of HOPE.

In case you might not know, Advent means "coming" or "arrival". It is a time of expectation, anticipation, and preparation leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath is made up of evergreens to remind us that even though we may be in a season of winter where things seem dead and we don't see any growth happening, new life will come again.  It is a time to focus on the true gifts of Christmas which do not come in a nicely decorated box. Instead they came in a manger with straw, hay, and farm animals. Can you picture the scene?

How do we keep hope alive during the tough times? 

When people mistreat us or leave us? When the world feels unjust and unfair? When life hasn't panned out the way we would have liked? When events of the world have taken a turn? When inflation threatens our very existence and our families?

Biblical Story 
Let's look at the example of the young girl named Mary, who was probably no more than 13 or 14 years old. The angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she was going to be with child without having known a man. Now, these days unwed mothers are a regular occurrence, but not in those days. In those days, being pregnant outside of marriage was a sin and a crime punishable by stoning to death, not a very happy prospect to be sure. But what was Mary's response? 

"Let it be done unto me according to your word."

Mary's response was one of willingness, trust, and surrender. She submitted her life and her will for God's purposes no matter what the cost. She was willing to endure the shame of being an unwed mother and possible death by stoning to be obedient to God. Mary had no idea of the pain and suffering she would endure to bring the Christ child into this world. Mary had received the first gift of Christmas - HOPE. 

The Source of Hope 
Mary's hope was in God and in His great love for her. For this same reason, we, too, can have hope this holiday season. When we are secure in the knowledge of God's immeasurable and unfailing love or us, no matter what comes our way, good or bad, we can rest in God's promise to always be with us and to never forsake us, no matter who else does.  And what better partner to have in life than the Lord God Almighty?

God is Always With You and Me
Jesus is also called Emmanuel, which means "God with us". God promises to be with us, particularly during the tough times. One of my favorite verses is Ps. 34:18 which says: "God is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." We all get down at times, but it is in these tough times, that the Lord is closest to us. He is always drawing us to him, if only we listen to that still small voice. 

The Future is Brighter after the Darkness 

Like Mary, sometimes we don't know what the future holds, but we can hold fast to the One who does because God is faithful. One of my favorite verses from the Bible is John 1:5 "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness will never put it out." Keep your eyes on the light. 

When we look at our lives through our spiritual glasses and through the lens of faith, it is possible to maintain hope even when things look dark and desperate. When plan A has failed, God always has Plan B. Sometimes God doesn't give us what we think we want. He gives us something BETTER! 

As we enter this Advent season, let's choose to focus on the gifts of the season, rather than what may be missing or not so perfect in our lives. Above all, let's trust God. His timing is perfect and he is working ALL things out for our good, even if we don't see it at the moment. God's ways are higher than our ways, and God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts. 

For Reflection 

What are your hopes this holiday season? What is the longing of your heart? Whatever it is, give it to the Lord, and trust that He will surround you with His amazing love this season. His gifts are for every child of His and that means each and every one of us. When all else fades, Jesus is still there to light our way. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12). Choose to walk in the light this holiday season. 

If this post has encouraged you, join our community to receive my weekly posts. You'll also receive my free newest ebook entitled "How to Develop a Spiritual Path". All you have to do is enter your email address in the box provided. While you're at it, pass it on. Someone you know may need a little hope this season. 

Need a gift? Consider giving a copy of my inspirational true story, "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony" available on Amazon and your favorite online booksellers. Or my latest book on spiritual growth entitled "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Supercharge Your Spiritual Growth" also available at your favorite online bookseller. 

For all kinds of interesting tips and info from exercise and diet, to mindfulness and meditation to the benefits of tea, pop on over to my Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/arielpaz/boards/ 

Stay tuned for more encouraging and uplifting posts this month to help you enjoy this season.

Until next time,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

What to Do While Waiting for Your Miracle

Life has its seasons. Some of them good. Others not so much. The world is just coming out of a season - the season of pandemic, isolation, quarantine, illness, and loss. Perhaps you, too, are coming out of a season: a sickness, a health issue, a divorce, a job loss. So many things can set us back and slow us down - but the good news, no the GREAT news is - God is still in the healing and miracle working business! 

Let's look at the story of the man who was paralyzed for thirty-eight years and sat near the pool waiting to be healed, but could never make it to the water in time. Until Jesus appeared and told him "Rise. Take up your mat and walk." (John 5:8). Verse 9 says this "Immediately the man was made well, took up his bed (mat) and walked." It was his time to be healed. Turns out he didn't need to make it to the pool. All he had to do was believe Jesus. He went straight to the temple to worship and give thanks.  

There's a lot to unpack in this story. The man was sitting there by the pool for thirty-eight years. Can you imagine? Thirty-eight years! And finally, one day he made a decision. A decision to believe and to take action. He reclaimed his life. 

Personal Story
We all go through seasons. Some of them longer than others. I feel like I am coming out of a seven-year season. It started in 2013 with several major relationship losses including the sudden death of my beloved step-dad. My health took a nose-dive and I had to take a leave of absence from my job. The leave of absence turned into leaving my job for good. Not the way I had planned.  

Since then it has been doctors appointments, MRIs, neurologists. and trying to manage migraine on my own. On top of that, my mom fell and broke her hip and I was elected to help her downsize and sell her house in Texas, which took 3 long years. She also had an IRS issue that I took over in addition to all my stuff. Then the pandemic hit. Talk about a heavy load. Seven years is a long time to suffer and I can't imagine the guy in this story sitting there for such a long time. 

Here are 4 actionable steps you can take to help make your miracle a reality and give you more peace in the meantime.

1. Keep the Faith

No matter how long you have dealing with a certain situation, don't lose heart. Keep on doing the right thing, keep on seeking, and keep believing. It's easy to get discouraged when time has gone by and still no results. But therein lies the key. When we don't give up, when we persevere despite what our circumstances look like, when we have faith, this is when God can act. God rewards Faith because Faith is the currency of heaven. 

2. Trust God's Timing 

No matter what we are dealing with, know that God has set a time limit on it. Just like the man in the story. God sees our situations, our burdens, our pains. We are not forgotten. At just the right time, Jesus will show up and do a miracle, just like he did with the crippled man. I can't give you an answer about when things will change, all I can tell you is that if you keep having faith, keep believing, and keep knocking (taking action) sooner or later you will get your miracle. The Bible says this: "The promises of God are yes, and amen." (2 Cor 1:20)

3. Keep Praying

There is power in prayer, I can testify to that. When we pray, something supernatural happens in the spiritual realm which is where the battle is actually fought. Prayer helps us to connect with the Divine, who is the source of all miracles. Scripture encourages us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:16- 18). I think one of the major benefits of prayer is that is keeps us from being worried and anxious about things that are out of our control. 

4. Take appropriate action

Many people want to just "go with the flow" and let things happen on their own, but I believe in many instances, we have to take action, just like the man in the story, he picked up his mat and walked. We have a part to play in our miracles. If we want to lose weight, we have to exercise and watch our caloric intake. If we want to get out of debt, we have to cut the credit cards. If we want to heal a relationship, we probably should go talk to a therapist. You know the saying "If you keep on doing what you're doing, you'll keep on getting what you're getting". 

I hope you will make a decision to give these steps a try. 

For Reflection 

What season of life are you in? What situation are you waiting to change? Your health? A relationship? What action steps can you take to make your miracle a reality?  Give a listen to this uplifting song by Gloria Estefan who went thru a horrific car accident that broke her back and through faith, prayer, and intensive physical therapy, was miraculously healed. 

I trust this series was encouraging for you. I'd love to hear your feedback. 

If you are new to my blog, consider joining our community by entering your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly posts and also a copy of my free eguide "Seven Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". Do share with a friend. 

To let you know, I will be taking the month of August off from posting. I hope you will join me in September with a brand new series on positivity and dealing with stress before the busy season hits. 

In the meantime, practice strengthening your spiritual muscle and let me know how it goes.  

Until the next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

Believe in the Promises of God and Discover Your Destiny

The holidays come with a lot of expectations, don't they? Receiving that much wanted gift, spending quality time with loved ones, & enjoying lots of laughter and fun. The reality is that things don't always turn out picture perfect; people don't get along, tensions are high, someone doesn't like the food, people don't show up. This list of things that can go wrong is endless. Why? Because we live in an imperfect world and people are imperfect. As the year draws to a close, today I'm sharing on what can we do to better handle these expectations so we can have more peace, more joy and less frustration in the New Year.

Tip #1. Realize we are all in process.
Everyone is at a different stage in their journey in life. We each have our lessons to learn for our personal and spiritual growth. We can't make anyone grow any faster, but we can work on our own growth. It is a choice we make. Some people are too busy to be concerned about personal growth and/or they don't think they need to change. News flash - we ALL need to change!

Others don't want to change. I met a woman recently who I came to realize has the habit of cancelling at the last minute. I brought this to her attention and gave her grace multiple times. She just wouldn't change her behavior. She said to me "It's too hard to be your friend". What she really meant was "I don't want to change for you." And I didn't want to be continually stood up and stressed out by her behavior so we both agreed to part ways.

Tip #2. Accept people where they are but don't spend too much time with them
I guess since I am a growth person, I like to think others are open to growing as well, but that is not always the case. As in the situation above, the woman did not want to grow. Apparently she thinks repeatedly cancelling at the last minute is acceptable behavior. Maybe in her circle of friends, but not in mine.

If we want to get along with others, we have to overlook some things. The key is to figure out what we can overlook and what we can't.  If we want to live a peaceful joyful life, we want to hang around with people who want the same thing. Some people crave strife and drama. That is their way of getting attention or else they have a personality disorder. I choose not to associate with these types. Life is too short for strife and drama.

Tip #3. Lower your expectations of others. 
The expectations we put on ourselves and others can cause undue pressure, stress and conflict. The key is to realize that our values and priorities may not be the same as others. This takes understanding. I have another friend whom I've known for years. The problem is she is constantly late. I am an on time person and I think being late shows a lack of consideration for others. She apparently doesn't. Solution: don't do too much with her. Now that I know how she is, I can make different plans like tell her an event starts earlier than it does. My goal this year is to accept circumstances and people as imperfect as we all are, the same way Christ accepts me, with love and without judgement.

Tip #4. Do less. 
Over the years I have learned to put less and less effort into all the hoopla that surrounds Christmas. Yes, I still put up a tree and put out the Advent wreath. I still buy and wrap presents and I still bake. Why? Because these simple things are meaningful to me and remind me of the joy of the season. But Christmas cards have gone electronic. The house is simply decorated and I limit the number of parties and events I say yes to. Why? Because I want to enjoy the peace and the joy of the season without overextending myself, feeling rushed, or getting sick.

I've also learned not everyone is in to gift-giving, so I buy less. Saves me time, money, and effort as well as not being disappointed.

Tip #5. Remember the promises of God. 
One year, not too long ago, it was only my youngest son and myself together on Christmas Day.  As I settled down to open my gifts, my youngest son points to a large box under the tree.
"That one is for you," he says as he gets out the video camera.
"Now what could this possibly be?" I ask as I dig through the huge pile of styrofoam packing.

To my utter surprise and joy, there in the box were six cups and saucers from my Lenox china pattern I selected when I got married. Somehow when I moved to my new home years ago, the cups and saucers were lost in transit. These six cups and saucers would restore what I had lost and complete the set. As I gazed upon the beauty of a simple china cup, I noticed the name of the pattern -"Promise".

"You know, people may break their promises, but God never does," I said to my son with a quiet peace. "God promises to restore the years the locusts have eaten" (Joel 2:25).

In the same way my beautiful china collection was restored and made complete, know that God is still in the process of restoration and completion in each of us - to make us whole, complete, and like new. Whatever pains, losses and hurts we have endured, God knows about all of them and He is faithful to heal us and make us whole once again. But He doesn't stop there.

God wants you to go higher - to reach new levels, to do bigger and greater things. Jesus himself said, "Whoever believes in me, will do greater things than I" (John 14:12). Catch the key - "Whoever believes in me".  We have to believe - in God, in others, and in ourselves. You have been gifted in many ways; some gifts may not have even come to the surface yet. You are not meant to settle for a just-get-by life. You are meant to SOAR to new heights and fulfill the purpose you were created for!

Just as Christ came to earth as a little child, let us, too, become as little children filled with awe and wonder as we usher in the New Year. Let us let go of any hurts, unforgiveness, and mistakes we may have made and look forward to a new year filled with  healing, wholeness, and harmony. Let us use our gifts and talents to make this world a better place.

For Reflection

As the New Year begins, what do you need to let go of? A habit? A relationship? What is it that you truly would like to accomplish in the New Year? 

If you were encouraged by this post, and would like to join our community and receive my weekly posts, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide e, "7 Steps to Finding  Your Spiritual Path". We're all on a journey so we might as well travel together.

Stay tuned for more practical and positive wisdom on igniting the power within and discovering YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Keep Your Peace and Joy

Let's face it. Bad things happen to good people. Sometimes it is a result of our poor choices and behavior and other times, it is the result of evil and sin. Now I know some have a problem with the concept of evil and sin but I think if we look at the evening news just one night, we realize that evil and sin do exist. Have you seen the show "American Greed"? Mind-boggling what people will do for money.

We must accept the reality that painful things do happen - we lose our job, we come down with a chronic health issue, a relationship ends, the list goes on and on. Circumstances can destroy and defeat us if we let them. Sometimes it feels like it's just one thing after the other. Today I am sharing on how to get through these difficult times and still keep your peace and your joy. It is possible!

As someone who has had more than the average person's share of pain in my life, I have found a way to make it through the painful times. I cling to the verse in scripture "God works all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose." (Rom.8:28). Notice the word "ALL". That doesn't just mean the good things. That means the good, the bad, and the ugly.

When we have problems that seem insurmountable, when we have done all we can to try to "fix" a situation, here are some keys to help us let go of the pain and enjoy our lives despite our circumstances:

1. Focus on the reality that our God is BIGGER and GREATER than any circumstance we may face. God is working through our circumstances to mold us into the likeness of Jesus. Typically we focus on the problem, the person, the situation. This makes the problem bigger. Instead focus on the power and strength of God to help us handle with the situation.

2. Stop trying to fix things in your own strength. 
I have a tendency to work, work, work, to try to fix myself, fix relationships, fix problems. It comes from being raised in a chaotic home environment where everything was out of control. Something I heard from a pastor recently struck a chord "When we work, God rests. When we rest, God works."

Now that doesn't mean don't ever put effort into correcting a situation, but there comes a point where we have to say "I've done all I can. I am giving this to God." That point is different for each of us.

3. Find out what your need to learn. 
Every painful situation or circumstance has a lesson. God uses pain to teach us. Financial disaster teaches us to manage our finances better. Illness teaches us take better care of our health. Relationship problems teach us to be kinder, to love more, to control our anger. There is always a lesson in our circumstances and it is up to us to ask ourselves what that lesson is and to apply it for the future. 

4. Trust things will work out at some point. 
This is the practice of "letting go" and it is a practice. We often wear ourselves out trying to make things happen in our own strength, at least, I know I do. The truth is some things only God can fix. And in his timing, not ours. We want things fixed NOW, but sometimes people need to grow up, we need to heal, and these take TIME. As my oldest son said, "Time heals all wounds".

5. Thank God for his grace and mercy.
Gratitude is a powerful weapon against the forces that try to keep us from our destinies. Thank God AHEAD OF TIME for the victory - even BEFORE you see any evidence. The Bible says "Faith is the evidence of things not yet seen." (Heb.11:1). We have to call in what we expect to see and thank God for working in our lives. This is the power of FAITH.

So there you have them - five keys to keeping your peace and joy during  unfortunate circumstances. We all get hit with things, some of us more than others, but God is always with us and He promises to never leave us or forsake us.

For Reflection

Who or what has hurt you? Are you trying to change them? Wish you could change the situation? Would you have more peace if you gave it all to God?  

If you enjoyed this post and would like to receive my weekly articles, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll also receive my eguide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" and do share with a friend.

Until next time, stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny!

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

Why Did Jesus Die for Us?

Seems every time I turn around there's more bad news. Friday, for example, one friend finished her last chemo treatment. She shared about the death of the wife of a mutual friend of ours. On my walk, a neighbor pulled up to tell me she was having surgery for bladder & kidney cancer. Then another girlfriend called to say she was sick so was cancelling Easter activities, her husband had just lost his job and they have two small children to care for. Can you think of someone who is not hurting in some way? Who does not need healing, grace, or forgiveness? Would anyone reject a miracle touch from God?

What is your need?

Most people I know have a need. It may be a financial, physical, relational, or emotional need, but everyone has a need. We search for solutions in many places. Some seek solace in their jobs, others in food and drink. Still others busy themselves with activities, sports, or exercise. But at the end of the day, we come up empty-handed. Why? Because no one can provide the healing and the peace our souls long for. No one, that is, except Jesus. 

Who is this Jesus? 

Many have scoffed and scorned him, even so far as nailing him to a wooden cross. The scorn and contempt continues today, doesn't it? Jesus, they say, is a crutch for the weak. Or Jesus was just a good man, a prophet. But they deny his deity. If you look at all the other religious figures in history, they are all dead and buried in a grave someplace. Not Jesus. His tomb is empty. Could it be, perhaps, that Jesus, too, was misunderstood? His mission was not to become a king or a conqueror as we think of in human terms. His mission was to redeem mankind, like sheep who have strayed, and reconcile us to the Father. "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10).

Jesus came to redeem and rebuild lives. He came not just to show us who God is, but to show us the way to Him. He shed his blood so that we may have free access to God, the Father. We do not need to go through a priest or a guru or anybody else, for that matter. We can come - boldly - to the throne of Grace through our belief in Jesus Christ. Jesus came to empower us; this is what the Resurrection is all about. Overcoming. New Life and victory over sin and death. 


Comprehending Holiness

Yet, until we comprehend the holiness of God we cannot fathom the depth of what Jesus did for us on the cross. This is not meant to put anyone on a guilt trip, for 'there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1) but God cannot coexist with sin and we have all sinned. Jesus opened the path to God for us by shedding his blood in atonement for our sin. Let that sink in a moment. Picture Jesus on the cross. Feel the nails piercing his hands and feet. He endured all that because of God's great love for YOU! 

Did you know that Jesus accepts us just as we are? He loves us UNCONDITIONALLY and isn't that what each of us is really looking for? To be loved and accepted unconditionally by another? The answer we are looking for can be found at the foot of the cross. By this great act of love, our deepest need is met: to feel loved, accepted, forgiven, and connected. Will you draw near? Will you put your faith in the One who loves you so much he shed his blood for you?

I hope this post was encouraging and uplifting. If you would like to join our community and receive my weekly posts, enter your email in the box provided. You will also receive my free eguide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". 

Until next time, my prayer is that the light and love of Christ will shine into your heart and you will know how truly loved you are this Easter. Happy Resurrection and here's to new life and victory!

Ariel Paz 

Where to Find Hope at the Holidays

The holidays are upon us and with them come a mixed bag of emotions, fun, stress, drama and anticipation. Perhaps like me, you have lost someone or something you value this year. It may have been a parent, a home, a job, a son or daughter or a relationship. The holidays will not be the same this year, you may be thinking to yourself.

But are they ever the same? A lot changes in the course of a year, doesn't it? Friends get married. Others get divorced. Babies are born. Loved ones die. Old friends move away. New friends come into our lives. Things rarely stay exactly the same as the year before.  Life changes and that is a good thing. The certainty of change means there is always hope.

As the season of Advent begins, the focus for this week is Hope. It is the first gift of Christmas.
It is a time to reflect back on the year and ask ourselves what can we do differently next year to improve our lives, to live closer to God, and to walk more in love. Each of us is on our own path and we each have different lessons to to learn, but learn them we must, if we want to move forward into a more peaceful and abundant life.

We may need to let go of unforgiveness or bitterness; be more grateful, generous, less self-centered. We may need to laugh more and stress less; surrender more and control less, trust more, and fear less. We are on the potter's wheel. In other words, God is molding us into His likeness and He uses the circumstances of life to change us. In every trial, there is a hidden treasure in the form of a lesson to be gleaned and applied to our lives.

Whatever changes have happened in your life this year, fret not. God can and will work it all out for your good. It is all a matter of trust and timing.
 
Where is your hope this season?  Is it in your job? Your relationships? Your family? Your bank account? People and things are subject to change in the blink of an eye. Rather, I choose to put my hope in the dependable and unchanging person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever changes are going on in my life, I know I can stay steady because I hold on to Him. When others abandon us, Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us. When finances are tight, Jesus promises to provide for all our needs. When we are stressed and anxious, Jesus promises us his peace. Who else can make and keep these promises?

This Advent season, I encourage you to put your hope in the Lord. No matter what changes you may have experienced this year, God's grace will be sufficient for you. Allow Him to change you. Be a prisoner of hope and see God give you double for your trouble. (Zech. 9:12)

If this post has encouraged and you'd like to receive my bi-weekly posts plus my free guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path", enter your email in the box provided and do pass it on to your friends. Someone you know may need a little hope this season.

Until next week, stay tuned for more on healing, wholeness, and harmony and as always, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Walk in Abundance - Part 1

Everybody seems to be talking about abundance these days. It's natural to want to see more good things in our lives. What is it you want to see more of? More money? More fun? Better relationships? More peace? These are all good things and today we are going to talk about the 3 steps to help us see more of these in our lives.

As a single divorced mom, I lived from paycheck to paycheck. We went out to dinner only on occasion. My kids never had the latest and coolest clothes or toys. We lived in a older townhome and I drove my cars until they died. I was stressed, anxious, and pressured much of the time. Until....I found Jesus. Yup, Jesus was the key that unlocked the door to a better life: a life of joy, freedom, hope, and most importantly, a life of faith.

Today, some 20 years later, life is much different. I am more relaxed, have more confidence, and am blessed beyond belief in every area of my life. I have seen miracles in my health, my relationships, and my finances. They have all turned around. Perhaps you would like to see things turn around in your life. Well, today I am going to share with you the first of 3 key principles that can make that happen for you, too. I hope you are as excited as I am to learn them.

First, we must understand one thing : ALL GOOD THINGS COME FROM GOD. Not "the universe". God is the creator of the universe. Not from our own strength and skill, although we do have a part to play in seeing our dreams come true. Not from merely wishing for good things. Nope. Every blessing and every good thing in our lives ultimately comes from God. He is the Source. He gave us life. He gave us smarts. He gave us skills. He gave us our bodies and our brains.

Now that we have that straight, let's jump into the first step to receiving the promises of God.

Step #1: Start expecting good things. 

Many of us were brought up in a negative environment. Perhaps your parents lived through the Great Depression or the Holocaust. These events dramatically impacted the minds of people growing up in those years. Or there was a parent with an illness such as alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness. There are many circumstances that can cause us to have a negative mindset. Yet, we can change our thinking. If we want to see good things show up in our lives, we have to expect to see them show up. We have to realize we are children of God! We deserve good things to show up.

It's all about expectation. When we have low, just get by expectations, that is what we will receive. When we have better expectations, that is what we will receive too. Now I am talking about expectations for ourselves and from God, to be clear. We have to watch our expectations of others. When we have unrealistic expectations of others, we will often be let down.

Expectations have to do with the spiritual force called Hope. Without hope, we cannot set our expectations higher. Hope is a key ingredient to seeing our lives improve. Without it, we are doomed to settle in status quo and who wants that? We were meant to soar with wings like eagles.

For Reflection
So what have you been expecting recently? In what area of your life can you adjust your expectations? No matter what has happened in your past, today is a new day and you can change your tomorrow by changing your expectations.

If this post resonated with you, please consider signing up for my bi-weekly blog posts and becoming part of our community. You'll also receive my free e-guide "How to Develop a Spiritual Practice ". Simply enter your email address in the box provided. That's it!

Stay tuned for the next two keys to walking in abundance. You won't want to miss them!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

Twelve Days of Christmas poem

Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. The dishes were done and  the presents unwrapped and all settled in for a long winter's nap. When what to my wondering eyes should appear but a vision of snowflakes in the window so near.

"Isn't that lovely," I said with a smile. Snowflakes remind me of the newborn Christ child. No worries, no cares, just floating about covering the ground like a soft white cloud. Snow reminds me that each day is new, and that Jesus came for me and for you.

He covers our flaws like the fresh fallen snow. So blameless we draw near to the God we all know. He washes us clean and gives us new birth, just as the snowflakes cover the earth.

Snow flurries subside and the sun shines so bright. God's love is for all and to all a good night!

Happy Twelve Days of Christmas and may you see each new day as the precious gift it is. May the wonder and miracle of Christmas stay with you each day of the New Year.

If you are enjoying these posts and poems, and would like to join our community, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my bi-weekly inspiration and encouragement. I'll also send you a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". We are all on one whether we realize it or not.

Stay tuned for more practical and positive wisdom and until next time, keep looking up!


Ariel Paz 

Ignite the Power Within Step 4: What to Do When You Feel Like Quitting

Ever feel like giving up? Tired of fighting the battles of life? We all feel this way from time to time, especially when we think we're doing the right thing, but we're not seeing any results. If we're going to see our dreams come true, we have to be push-thru kind of people. No matter what we're facing, there is always someone who has it tougher.

Think you have it rough? Well, how would you like to be born without limbs?

While down in Jacksonville, Florida this past week, I happened to be on the beach where the Never Quit Beach Challenge was taking place. Thousands of competitors wearing shirts with the motto "Never Quit" filled the beach. There were swimmers, surfers, and runners. The marines wore shirts that said "Pain is weakness leaving the body". Young girls 5 - 6 yrs old were doing chin presses on the bar. Parachute jumpers decorated the sky. It was quite a sight to behold.

Then I heard the opening prayer by a man named Nick Vujicic. He praised my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, right there in public amidst thousands of people. "Who is this guy?" I asked as I tried to hold back the tears welling up in me.

Nick Vujicic is an australian born in 1982 in Brisbane, Australia - with no arms or legs. Today he is a college graduate with two degrees, an author, a CEO, and a motivational speaker. He was also a participant in the three part race.

Now how's that for faith and inspiration? Check out this website for more info on the race and it's origins. The whole event certainly inspired me. So next time you think you're having a hard time, think of Nick Vujicic and remember his motto and mine - Never give up!

If you enjoyed this post and would like to join our community, enter your email address in the box provided and you'll receive my bi-weekly posts. I'll also send you out a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".

Stay tuned for more on how to stay in the game of life and see your dreams become reality.

Until next time, keep the faith and keep looking up!

Ariel Paz