The bible instructs in the book of Romans that we must to renew our minds.  For renewal to begin to take place, I can tell you  sure that the  first thing that you will  need to do is get your mind out of your mind. You got to throw out the files!   Ephesians 4:22- tells me to  "... put off concerning the former conversation (behavior) the old man (old self), which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind ; and that ye put on the new man (the new self), which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." I am amazed at where my mind can take me at times.  My sister surely got it right, it is a battlefield indeed. And as with any battle in a war, this means that we have to take our thoughts as captive.  Bring them before the word of God and decide which is friend or foe. Check every motive within yourself.  Some of us have some POW's (Prisoners of War) locked up deep down within our soul.  These POW's, no matter how long they stay locked up or appear to be under control, are always waiting for a chance to escape and wreak havoc with your spirit man. And guess what your flesh is sort of like the crooked guard who can be bribed for the key!   Like any POW, they drain you and try pull from all of your spiritual  resources! But I challenge you to set the execution date! Get your mind...your rationalizations, worrying and flesh appealing desires out of your mind and put to death those captive thoughts and imaginations that are contrary to the word of God.  

​Matthew 18:3….instructs  me  to change and  be like a little child. And it says that unless I do  that, I will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Wow!  So guess what?  I am making an exchange to change. Today I am throwing my theologies, out the door, my perceptions, out the door,  my handbooks, doctrine manuals and even some best sellers, all out the door!  Give me the primer!  See God work, see God move.  God said go Sabrina, go.  God said stop.  God loves you, God loves me….   I come as child with no perceived formalities.  Maybe that is the position we need to get back to.  The primal position.  Let’s go back to the beginning and learn it all over again  Our American alphabet is the basis of our communication as well as comprehension of how to live.  Imagine if we treated the bible that.   Except you be a little child…. Wow this really go me thinking.  My mind went back to when I  had just gotten saved and witnessed the aftermath of the death of a small child.  The child had gotten hit by a car and his lifeless body was lying in the street.  It was an emotional scene for both the mother and the young woman who had hit the child.  I was with my then, mentor at the time.  We were both in college, but she was more “mature” in the Lord than I and for all accounts many of us on campus looked up to her and tried to model after  her walk as well as seek her for Godly wisdom.  As I saw the child laying in the street, I can still remember the clothes he had on.   I looked at my mentor, grabbed her hand  and said,    “ Let’s go pray for HIM”. However, she sternly jerked me back as I had already taken about two steps ahead of her.  I was told "NO", with no explanation and so it was at that moment that I now became a spectator like everyone else.  Was this child like faith?  Well at this point all I knew was that Jesus raised the dead and that He was a healer, so….Why not?!!  I did not know about protocols, getting approvals or fear of failing.  I wanted to do it, but  instead I got jerked back.  I know now that my mentor did it for what she thought was right and she probably wanted to protect my reputation.  After all, I was a neophyte to all of this and I had to be taught not be so zealous and to wait on the guidance from the Holy Spirit. But was this the correct thing to do? However, I believe that this  jerk... this jerk,  jerked more than my hand.  It jerked me into the world of “Religious Order and Protocols”.  What if it had been the Holy Spirit pulling me to pray for that child?  Had his spirit not returned back to into his body, I would have not thought any less of God being a healer.  I would not have had one iota of embarrassment.    My logic would have been that “ I am going to keep going and believing until the miracle comes”.  Like the lepers.  Maybe we all begin with this great child like faith, but it gets tainted by religious adult faith, which in turn diminishes the formation of miracle movements. We get programmed into thinking that only certain elites within the church can ever attempt certain acts,  religion tells us that we are not spiritual enough, that we don’t pray enough, fast enough, read the bible enough, it tells us that we have not reached  our maturity in the Lord to attempt to do such things, religion says that that I must be close to being perfect or have a title.    Religion tells us “One day, when I get a hold of God I am going to raise the dead”, while Kingdom says, “Now is the time to raise the dead.”  This jerk has held me for years and it has been nurtured by many other occasions.    After 30 years of salvation I still felt the jerk.  It had become apparent while I was standing in the hospital room of one of my dearest friends.  She had just died.  There were about twenty people in this room.  The family,  pastors, leaders, prophets, ministers; probably all of the fivefold ministry times two stood around my friend in a semi circle.   We joined hands, we prayed and we cried.  But I must admit to you today, that my tears were not for the lost of my friend, my tears were because as I looked at all of the power standing in that room, no one… not a one suggested that we pray her back to life. Maybe it crossed the minds of a couple of us in there, I just know that I I was disgusted with myself for being such a coward and not saying anything.  I felt that we had let her down per say.  Amazing how we will pull on the medical experts to try every last thing in the book to prolong life, yet some of us are so slow to pray for healing, to pray for life.   But again, it is a stronghold of the mind.  I remember having a conversation about a well known  pastor who had died and a few of the younger congregants were attempting to find his body and pray for his resurrection.  There was a whole lot of jerking going on as well as some rebukes toward those ironically “young saints”  were rallying for a miracle.   Mentees were forced to “Have a talk with them”, leaders had to quickly squash this movement before it got out of hand.  In this instance, the strength of our strong hold/ mindset prevailed, whereas to a child, to pray with expectation would have been the norm. 
I was told that years ago in a remote village in Africa,  of a people who  were walking on water!  When asked about how and why;  all they knew to say was, “Because Jesus did“.  . I remember when the discussion was going on about the pastor who had died, someone made a statement that they thought would seal the deal so to speak. “Well his body has been embalmed now so there is no way he can be raised from the dead”.  This statement coming from a well seasoned saint took me back for a moment.  I remember looking at her and could literally see that she had her faith within a border.  I wanted to say to her “ Do you really think that Formaldehyde, which God made anyway can keep the resurrection power of Jesus from raising the dead?” I remained silent.   My thoughts were simple….”Are we ready for this?” If he were to be raised from the dead, are we ready for the  repercussions of media frenzy, religious groupies , monuments, pilgrimages, character defamation, accusations and life changes  that would surface because of a another “Lazarus”  miracle?  My opinion is this: The adult religious mature in Christ sect  is not ready to handle  such an event.  But guess who is?  Those as little children who have entered the Kingdom of God, knowing their citizenship, authority and King, these children can handle it.  They can handle it because in the Kingdom, such is a expected and always anticipated. All that they know is what  God says. The system of the world does not apply to them and when they hear the  language of religion, doubt, fear and excuses, just like a visitor in a foreign land, they do not understand. They have a  simple powerful faith and trust in the great God Almighty.  They will break away from the jerk. 

For some of us, the biggest threat to achieving goals and successes  are our companions.  "Not Now" and "Later".  So... "Now" has left  to "Do It" and as it gets later and later, we never get to meet "Done"  Then eventually, you get introduced to "Done" and we  begin to hate and make excuses so, then we  grab "Excuse" by the hand who links us to a new buddy named , "I Will".
Stop this madness!!!   #ThywillbeDONE!

Definition of Competition
 

The act of seeking, or endeavoring to gain, what another is endeavoring to gain at the same time; common strife for the same objects; strife for superiority; emulous contest; rivalry, as for approbation, for a prize, or as where two or more persons are engaged in the same business and each seeking patronage; - followed by for before the object sought, and with before the person or thing competed with.
The Apostle Paul says that when we compare ourselves with one another we are fools (2 Cor. 10:12).
Although competition can  bring out the best in us, it also has a dark side. This is the side that says, “I am better than you.” This spirit doesn’t challenge people around us to be better, instead it only has one goal and that is to make those around you feel inferior to you.
The unhealthy spirit of competition will ease into any open crack to dismantle, defame or dishearten their prey.  It can appear to be sweet  and subtle.   But beware!   It will creep into prayer groups, small groups and even churches!  The sweet lil ole  church mother who wears her new hat only for the sake of having others to  complement her or desire her wardrobe may indeed be parading in her garments  only for the sake of competition.  Her “rush” each Sunday is not the worship, but the wardrobe!  How many hours do some of us spend dressing for church?  Would you dare wear the same dress every day for one?  ( You do not have to answer)  This spirit, if left to thrive, is perpetual. Driven.  Getting the “one up” creates a deceptive euphoria and the problem lies pitted in the truth that in essence many of those whom you are competing with really do not notice your “display”. Without even realizing it, you become narcissistic (Selah).  There are many sadly to say, who  feed off of this competitive spirit and exhaust themselves trying to become the king of the road.  These are the ones that will spend more money to build bigger buildings, have bigger programs, crave bigger audiences  just to keep up!  Why some will even paint the bottom of their shoes red!  There is a craziness on both ends!  The one trying to keep the lead and the other trying to take the lead. 
So how do we deal with those in the body of Christ who seem to constantly be consumed with competing for the: Biggest Church, most members, most programs, most prominent titles, trophy wife, best custom suits, etc?  And we cannot forget those who compete for: pastoral recognitions, auxiliary positions, special titles  and even special seating.
For one:  Practice having your flesh to bow down to your spirit.  Flesh always wants to be fed, feel good and be favored.  Luke 16:15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
Two:  Help others achieve their goal!  Yes, you…you  who are so talented and gifted, help others!   Phil 2:3-4  says:  Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.   Did you read that?   Do nothing from rivalry or conceit.  Examine your motives deep down inside.  Ask yourself, “ why am I really doing this?”  Is it in the name of the Lord? Or, are you trying to prove something?    Coloss.3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Three:  Focus on the ETERNAL prize! We are living this life and there are pleasures and things that definitely enhance it and make living great.  But remember we are ambassadors for Christ with a mandate.  We will receive rewards based on our kingdom work. Therefore, go for the prize that is set before YOU!  Don’t worry about  who or what seems to be  passing you by.  Stay in your God directed lane and go for what HE  has for YOU.  It has your name on it.    1 Corinthians 9:24   Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Galatians 6:4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.
Four:  NEVER spend  one second thinking about revenge.  It is not of God.  Revenge  is destructive and can drive a person to murder. The rationalization for it’s intended purpose can appear to be overwhelmingly justified, but it is all a deceptive cloud.   You will have people who betray you.  You will have haters.   Haters are those people who  openly and secretly  wish you no good or success.   Stay focused on His agendas.   Allow God to fill your space. He will take care of everyone else.    Psalm 108:13   With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. Remember when it comes to your God given purpose, NOTHING will can stop the great work He has placed in you.
Five:  It is not always about being first  Matthew 19:30  But many who are first will be last, and the last first.  Everyone cannot be the pioneer.  Some have to work the set the vision, some have to work the mission.  In the end… we all win. 
Six:  As His grace abounds and you receive favor, make sure to watch your attitude.  The Lord God hates pride.   Remember without HIM we can do nothing and trust me, yourr gifts will make room for you.  Therefore,  be mindful of what you share and how you share it. James 4:6  But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Luke 16:15   And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
Seven:  Love as Jesus loves.  I have a few friends whom can  call me no matter what the hour is.  I love them with such an Agape love that I will stop in the midst of my flow.  I will reschedule, break an appointment or  back-up just to come to their need.  In a sense -  I lay down my life for them.  I am willing to sacrifice my time, my rest, my finances,  even my comfort, just to come to their need.    I tell you, when you can come to that place where you  can truly love as He loves, you see people from a totally different view.  John 15:13  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
Eight:  Kick Envy to the curve.  Nip it in the bud quickly.  Now most people use envy and jealousy interchangeably, but they are different.  Jealousy ramps up when you become emotionally guarded out of fear of losing something, someone or a position.  It normally has count of three involved.  The person, the position and the “invader”  or “other person” .   It is that  feeling of lost.   For envy, it is the feeling of lack.  She has “one” and you want hers or the same.  “I want her house, her job, his wife etc…”
 A note here:  Although you cannot control who will envy you, be cautious when you deliberately flaunt  what you do or have just to cause others to be envious.  Check your heart  when you find yourself having joy in saying “Oh I know Sister Doe is going to have a fit when she sees my five carat engagement ring”.  You must cast this thought down.  Ecclesiastes 4:4  Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.  The bible says here you are grasping for air!  In the long run, you gain no substance that matters!  Here is another one!  Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
In conclusion:   Competition can alter your spiritual life if you allow it to.  Competition to make more money, a bigger house, more members, a bigger building can suck the life out of you if you let it.
As a Christian, I believe that our  desire for excellence should be for us to be excellent as Christians.  You want to compete?  Have a competition between your flesh and your spirit man. Compete for more Pray more, study more, win more souls, be silent more, just to name a few.  Let’s see if our spirit man can win these challenges against our flesh and build increase for the Glory of God.  I guarantee, this will be a competition worth winning and you will not even have to announce and let the world know about the struggle.  It will become obvious that your flesh has melted due to being in the presence of God.

I am so excited about this upcoming retreat.... just excited.  Well, I guess anytime I have a divine appointment, I get excited to be honest.  It is like a hot date date with the man of your dreams.  And for me this one is with my heavenly father.  We get away together and I get to spend time with HIM uninterrupted.  We talk.  I talk and He listens.  Sometimes I have a load of questions, some times I ramble, sometimes I tell HIM intimate things about me.  But He listens.  And when I am quiet, guess what... He talks and I listen.  Just one word from HIM always brings about a life change.   
 Sometimes I cry.  I tell him about my fears, my pains, my insecurites and areas in my life that I have failed.  My father is so compassionate.  He wipes my tears away and comforts me in a way that no one else can.  The comforter, the friend, the spirit of truth is always present before me, ready to guide me and direct me at all times.  At times He is like FIRE...and then there are times where He comes with such a  sweet gently presence, that fills the entire room!  I live for these times with HIM.    Right now I feel like a prom date has been set and I am just counting down the days until we meet.   Praises to a wonderful God of all who loved us so much that he gave HIS son Jesus, the lover of my soul, to save as well as embrace one such as myself.