Wrong Associations
For years I have studied the book of Proverbs, but every time I came to Chapter six and the “Warning On Adultery,” I would simply skip over this portion of scripture as I felt it did not apply to me. After all, this was not an area of temptation for me. I like men and these warnings address a seductive female and her tactics to pull a man into her bed! But recently I approached this normally skipped over portion of scripture by praying, “Lord, I ask you for Wisdom to show me how I can apply this to my life.” Within an instant, I heard a still small voice say, “Tracy, an adulterous woman is a wrong association.” With this revelation, I immediately replaced all the words of warning about adultery to that of having a wrong association in my life.
So buckle your seat belts because what I am about to share with you is God’s wisdom concerning wrong associations and how they can destroy you! The scripture below is taken from Proverbs 6:20-33, The Message Translation and the words of warning about an adulterous women was changed to wrong associations by the author:
“Good friend, follow your father’s good advice; don’t wander off from your mother’s teachings. Wrap yourself in them from head to foot; wear them like a scarf around your neck. Wherever you walk, they’ll guide you; wherever you rest, they’ll guard you; when you wake up, they’ll tell you what’s next. For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path.
They’ll protect you from wrong associations, from the ‘to good to be true’ talk of a wrong business adventure. Don’t lustfully fantasize about the worlds deemed ‘beautiful people,’ nor be taken in by gossip or dishonest ways to obtain money. You can buy an hour with a fortune teller with a few dollars, but these wrong advisors will eat you alive.
Can you build a fire in your lap and not burn your pants? Can you walk barefoot on hot coals and not get blisters? It is the same when you become entangled with wrong relationships which pull you away from God and seeking HIs Wisdom. Come into contact with them and you’ll pay for it. No excuses. Hunger is no excuse for a thief to steal; when he is caught he has to pay it back, even if he has to put his whole house in hock.
Holding onto unhealthy relationships is a brainless act, but can be soul destroying, self-destructive; expect a bloody nose, a black eye, and a reputation ruined for good.”
Isn’t this good? I wonder just how many times I have overlooked a passage of scripture thinking it didn’t apply to my life, all the while, God longed to show me His Wisdom? I know more than ever that EVERY scripture can be applied to our lives – we just need to seek God for His Wisdom. I pray God’s blessings over each of you. May God give you wisdom on any wrong associations in your life and I declare His strength to help you let go of them. Jesus is the only One we are to hold tightly onto – He is the right association at all times!
Prayer:
“Lord, keep me from wrong associations that will pull me away from You. I give you permission to show me any wrong associations and what I need to do about it. I long for Your Wisdom and counsel. Keep me from turning to anyone other than You for Wisdom. Surround me with godly counselors and those who have my best interest in mind. Thank You for giving me Wisdom this day and protecting me from relationships that would bring destruction to me and my family. Amen.”
Starting the New Year off right!
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
Every January, God calls my husband and I to fast and pray concerning the New Year and He always meets us in extraordinary ways. It is a time of giving God our everything – our time, our thoughts, our desires, our weaknesses and our plans for the upcoming year. While our flesh longs to run to temporary pleasures, such as, food, television or things of this world to fill a void within, the truth is, real joy only comes from spending time in God’s Presence. What we “think” will satisfy us never does. What we “think” is the solution never is because Jesus is everything we need. It is God who will show us the path of life. It is through spending time with Jesus that we will experience an overflowing joy that will fill the God-shaped hole within our soul.
I believe that you, like me, long to be like Jesus. You want to think like Him, love like Him and walk in obedience as He walked. You desire for people’s lives be changed, souls to be saved and bodies to be healed. But you are also aware that true transformation is not possible without God. With man it is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible.
My question for you today is: To whom or what are you leaning on for the year 2009? Are you leaning on man, money, prestige, losing weight or anything of this world? I am all too familiar with these trappings and how each faulty solution tells us the same lie… “if you will just do this or purchase that – then you will be happy.” Yet happiness my friend fades, it is temporary and dependent on our circumstances, but God’s joy is eternal and is greater than any trial or circumstance we may endure on earth.
Our scripture above makes it clear as to where our joy comes from – it is found in the presence of God. It is time for us to stop looking to the things of this world to fill us up. Nothing (losing 10 pounds, eating a piece of chocolate cake, getting a promotion, getting married, obtaining a degree, winning the lottery, etc) can give you joy unspeakable and full of glory, except for Jesus.
Prayer:
“Lord, I give you my life and ask that You fill me with Your joy unspeakable and full of glory. Forgive me for turning to the things of this world in hope to fill the God-shaped hole in my soul. It is only in Your presence that eternal joy is found. I give you my life and ask that you direct my paths in 2009. Open doors to my destiny in Christ. And may my life bring you glory all of my days. Amen.”
Special Announcement
Dear Friends, It is with great excitement that I announce to you, National Worship Leader, Song Writer (of over 1,000 songs), Minister and personal friend, Tony Sutherland, will be featured on TBN this coming Monday, January 19th. Please tune in and enjoy the best worship you have ever heard in your life!! Tony and his wife Sherri, have been one of our very best friends for over 12 years now. My husband and I give Tony our highest recommendation and endorsement. The details are as follows: Monday, January 19th Tony Sutherland will be featured on TBN Praise Program hosted by Jentezen Franklin 5:00 & 10:00 p.m. EST 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. PST Log onto www.tbn.org for viewing detailsI hope you can tune in because I know you will be blessed! For more information about Tony, log onto his website: http://www.tonysutherland.com See you tomorrow for "Tuesdays With Tracy!" Blessings, Tracy Hurst
Special Announcement
Dear Friends, It is with great excitement that I announce to you, National Worship Leader, Song Writer (of over 1,000 songs), Minister and personal friend, Tony Sutherland, will be featured on TBN this coming Monday, January 19th. Please tune in and enjoy the best worship you have ever heard in your life!! Tony and his wife Sherri, have been one of our very best friends for over 12 years now. My husband and I give Tony our highest recommendation and endorsement. The details are as follows: Monday, January 19th Tony Sutherland will be featured on TBN Praise Program hosted by Jentezen Franklin 5:00 & 10:00 p.m. EST 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. PST Log onto www.tbn.org for viewing details
Special Announcement
Dear Friends, It is with great excitement that I announce to you, National Worship Leader, Song Writer (of over 1,000 songs), Minister and personal friend, Tony Sutherland, will be featured on TBN this coming Monday, January 19th. Please tune in and enjoy the best worship you have ever heard in your life!! Tony and his wife Sherri, have been one of our very best friends for over 12 years now. My husband and I give Tony our highest recommendation and endorsement. The details are as follows: Monday, January 19th Tony Sutherland will be featured on TBN Praise Program hosted by Jentezen Franklin 5:00 & 10:00 p.m. EST 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. PST Log onto www.tbn.org for viewing details
Now Is The Time
“As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, NOW IS THE TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NIV)
I have tasted the mountain tops and sat in the valleys, but through it all, I have gained a most wonderful treasure – the ability to hear God’s voice. And lately, I have been hearing that “now is the time for God’s favor and salvation (restoration) for His people.” I understand that it may not look like it or feel like it, but I declare to you, “now is the time of God’s favor” for your life and the Kingdom of God. I realize that the year 2008 was a difficult one for lots of us. Many of God’s children had precious things stolen from them, but I am here to declare to you today – No More in Jesus Name! This is the time of God’s favor and restoration to fall upon us for His purposes. What used to be hard will become easy and what used to be missing will now be restored. Friends, be expectant because NOW is the time for God’s favor and salvation throughout the nations.
It is no mistake that there is currently an all-out war for Gaza because the Nation of Israel is greatly tied to the end times. However, we are not to fear, Matthew 24:6 tells us, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.“ You may be asking –birth pains to what? My friend, it is the birth pains of the Return of Christ. But before His return, we are to use our God-given authority and power through the Cross of Jesus to make the enemies of God a footstool (Hebrews 10:13).
And as God’s chosen people, we are called to prepare the way of the Lord. My friend, it is no mistake that you are alive at this time and whether you realize it or not – you are called. BUT in order to prepare the way of the Second Coming of Christ, we must first become kingdom-focused and not self-focused.
There is a sifting going on in the body of Christ at this time- those who will serve God versus those who will only serve themselves. My question for you today is – which will you choose: Will you surrender your life to God and give Him all the Glory or will you choose self-preoccupation and receive the glory unto youself? Will you serve your desires or Gods desires? Now is the time we must choose. God’s favor and salvation is here.
Prayer:
“Lord, I realize that I have a choice today of serving You or myself. I give You my life and choose to serve You for such a time as this. Change the way I think and allow me to become Kingdom-focused rather than me-focused. I want to be one of those who prepare the way of Your return! I declare that NOW is the time for God’s favor and salvation over my life and over the Nations. Amen.”
Now Is The Time
“As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, NOW IS THE TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NIV)
I have tasted the mountain tops and sat in the valleys, but through it all, I have gained a most wonderful treasure – the ability to hear God’s voice. And lately, I have been hearing that “now is the time for God’s favor and salvation (restoration) for His people.” I understand that it may not look like it or feel like it, but I declare to you, “now is the time of God’s favor” for your life and the Kingdom of God. I realize that the year 2008 was a difficult one for lots of us. Many of God’s children had precious things stolen from them, but I am here to declare to you today – No More in Jesus Name! This is the time of God’s favor and restoration to fall upon us for His purposes. What used to be hard will become easy and what used to be missing will now be restored. Friends, be expectant because NOW is the time for God’s favor and salvation throughout the nations.
It is no mistake that there is currently an all-out war for Gaza because the Nation of Israel is greatly tied to the end times. However, we are not to fear, Matthew 24:6 tells us, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.“ You may be asking –birth pains to what? My friend, it is the birth pains of the Return of Christ. But before His return, we are to use our God-given authority and power through the Cross of Jesus to make the enemies of God a footstool (Hebrews 10:13).
And as God’s chosen people, we are called to prepare the way of the Lord. My friend, it is no mistake that you are alive at this time and whether you realize it or not – you are called. BUT in order to prepare the way of the Second Coming of Christ, we must first become kingdom-focused and not self-focused.
There is a sifting going on in the body of Christ at this time- those who will serve God versus those who will only serve themselves. My question for you today is – which will you choose: Will you surrender your life to God and give Him all the Glory or will you choose self-preoccupation and receive the glory unto youself? Will you serve your desires or Gods desires? Now is the time we must choose. God’s favor and salvation is here.
Prayer:
“Lord, I realize that I have a choice today of serving You or myself. I give You my life and choose to serve You for such a time as this. Change the way I think and allow me to become Kingdom-focused rather than me-focused. I want to be one of those who prepare the way of Your return! I declare that NOW is the time for God’s favor and salvation over my life and over the Nations. Amen.”
Moving Forward
“Brethren, I count myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things
where are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14“It is not in good taste to remind God of something that He has forgotten.”
Quote from Kenneth Hagin“We will never reach our future destination in Christ if we continually drive through our life while looking through the rear view mirror.” Quote from Tracy Hurst
As I think back upon 2008, I am cognizant not only of my good choices and blessings, but also my failures and disappointments. And that is why the scripture above is so important to me as I embark on the New Year. I have a choice of life and death before me and so do you…it is a decision that only we can make ourselves and it will greatly alter our destiny in Christ. The choice is this: Will I allow the enemy to hold me in bondage to the sins and failures of my past or will I embrace Philippians 3:13-14 and move forward to what God has for me in 2009?
Even if we are not proud of our past, the truth is that when we repent to God – we are forgiven. Period. I love what Kenneth Hagin Sr. has said, “It is not in good taste to remind God of something that He has forgotten.” Selah (pause and think about that for a moment). You will either believe the Word of God or the voice of the enemy concerning your future. It is because of the Cross of Jesus that nothing can hold you in your past, but YOU! The enemy was defeated, your destiny was made secure and IT IS TIME for you to move forward.
God has made His plans for you very clear in Ephesians 2:10 (NLT), which states, “For we are Gods masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” The year 2009 will be full of adventure and blessings if you choose to let go of your disappointments of the past and grab onto God’s grace and truth concerning your future.
Just as a trapeze artist must let go of one swing so he can grab onto the next one which leads him to his ultimate destination of the other side, we too much let go of 2008 in order to grab onto 2009. It is time for us to stop swinging back and forth and move forward in the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Prayer:
“Lord, I choose life this day by letting go of my past and grabbing onto my future in You. Thank you for giving Your life on the Cross so that I can receive Your love, acceptance and forgiveness. I rebuke the enemy and his pack of lies concerning my future! I will no longer entertain my past and its failures, but I will press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. I declare that 2009 will be the greatest year of my life! Amen.”
My Christmas Miracle
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18
As the Christmas season beckoned at my door, I could not help but reminisce about the memories of Christmas past. A lot of my flashbacks revolve around running to abuse shelters from my stepfather who was physically abusive. Even when things seemed calm on my home front, I could always count on the never-ending drama within my family to spice up the holiday season. Holiday drama and my family seem to go together like macaroni and cheese. While the majority of my early memories could put anyone in therapy, I did think about one Christmas that still puts a smile on my face even to this day.
It was the Christmas that my aunt, uncle, and cousins drove 12 plus hours in the sleet and snow to be with us during the holidays. I was in sixth grade and I still remember the smell of burning wood in the fireplace and the amazing meals my mom prepared. But, the best part of that Christmas was a present I received. To the outward eye it appeared that my aunt gave me a game, “Stop Thief” by Parker Brothers, but it was much more than that.
You see, that evening my family gathered around the dining room table and played until the wee hours in the morning. The entire room was filled with laughter as we chased the fictitious thief all over the game board. As an abused child who later nearly took her life at the age of 15, I held onto the laughter of that night during some of the hardest times in my life. The memory of that Christmas is still with me today. I am not sure when it happened or which state I lived in at the time, but I lost my most prized game, “Stop Thief.”
Now in my thirties, I decided it was time to replace my favorite game. My research uncovered that Parker Brothers no longer makes the game, and to my dismay, “Stop Thief “ is now considered a vintage game! My husband suggested that I attempt to locate the vintage game on E-Bay. I held my breath as I typed in the words “Stop Thief” on the E-Bay website, and there it appeared before my eyes, not only one, but several “Stop Thief” games were being sold that very day. I placed my highest bid, and to my surprise, won the game. I eagerly anticipated its arrival, and just three days later it was placed at my front door in Atlanta, Georgia. I opened the package, pulled out the game and saw my very own handwriting on the front cover that stated, “I love Michael Jackson” in red ink. The memory of using my brand new ink pen with multiple ink colors flooded my mind and I remembered choosing red because Michael Jackson wore a red leather coat in his Thriller video. Tears filled my eyes as I realized that I had not just received any “Stop Thief” game, but my original game from my childhood.
It was a miracle and I knew who had done it for me- my sweet Jesus. I had known of His love for me, but the fact that He found my original game that I had lost a long time ago is beyond amazing. God led a stranger in Illinois to end up with my game, sell it years later on E-Bay, and then have it delivered several states away to my front door. That shows me the restoration power of God! Joel 2:21-26 talks about how God will restore the years the locusts have eaten. I don’t know what you may have lost over the years; maybe the locusts of life have stolen from you as well. I encourage you to ask God to restore unto you things that you have lost. God is able to not only restore former things, but He always brings things back with increase beyond its original state. Jesus truly is the restorer of all things lost. After all, we once were lost, but now we are found.
Prayer:
Lord, I declare that the enemy must give back everything he has stolen from me! I proclaim that 2009 will be a year filled with the restoration power of God. I ask that you restore my body, my mind, my spirit, my relationships, my family, my reputation, my finances and anything else needing the restoration power of God. I love you Jesus and it because of your love that I believe 2009 will be the best year of my life.” Amen.
Tip #2 On how to keep Christ in Christmas: Helping those less fortunate.
TWT Reader, Gracie shares her idea, “my grand daughter wants to give Jesus a present, when my daughter asked me how I thought she should do that, I explained that Jesus would love to use our hearts and hands to do something really nice for someone that has no one. They are taking socks to a nursing home to give to residents. They have decided to “gift” Jesus every year.”
Keeping Christ In Christmas
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager. Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:11-14
Our tree is up, our lights are twinkling and the joy of Christmas is finally here! My daughter, Alyssa loves rearranging all the ornaments on our tree, making crafts and cookies for family and friends and I am experiencing the wonders of Christmas all over again through the eyes of my precious little girl!
Everyday, Alyssa and I find ourselves singing, “Happy Birthday to Jesus” in anticipation of Christmas morning. We often read books about the true meaning of Christmas and I am teaching her about giving to those who are less fortunate…but then it happened…she saw a guy in a bright red suit named santa claus. Her response was priceless; with a puzzled look on her face, Alyssa turned to me and said defensively, “Whose that mommy…..Christmas is Jesus’ Birthday!” I laughed out loud and thought to myself, “Wow Alyssa, you are right, who is this guy sneaking into our homes on Jesus’ Birthday anyway? Don’t get me wrong; there is nothing wrong with playing the “game” of Santa Claus, but our children need to understand that Santa is just a GAME and that Jesus is REAL!
We live in a world that wants to take Christ out of Christmas, but my prayer is that all of us will respond with a loud shout, “Not on our watch.” Let us all enjoy the festivities of this Holiday season, even play the game of santa claus, but not forget what Christmas is about – to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus. After all how would you feel if someone else took all the attention away from your birthday?
How can we keep Christ the focus? I would love to hear all of your ideas. One way that we are able to focus on the birth of Jesus is every Christmas Eve, we make Jesus a birthday cake. I asked my daughter what Jesus’ favorite kind of cake is and she replied, “Chocolate!”
Prayer:
Lord, help us to always celebrate Your birth on Christmas morning! Forgive us for allowing the world to replace Your miraculous birth with business and gift buying. You are the greatest gift we could ever receive. As I enjoy the parties, games and joys of Christmas, help me to remember that You are the Reason for the Season! I will declare proudly everywhere I go, “Merry Christmas!” This is Your special day and we wish You a very Happy Birthday! Amen.”
Tip #1 on how to keep Christ in your Christmas:
Make Jesus a birthday cake on Christmas Eve. Alyssa and I are going to make Jesus’ Birthday cake together and she is going to decorate it with her favorite treat, M&M’s! Our plan is to wake up Christmas morning and sing “Happy Birthday to Jesus” and then eat a piece of cake for breakfast (now how much fun is that)? ? If you have ideas on how to keep Christ in Christmas, please click on the comment button and share them – I may even post your idea in the comings weeks!
About
Tracy became a Christian at the age of 16 and her life was changed forever. She went from being a depressed, suicidal, rebellious teenager to a dynamic leader for Christ. Immediately after accepting Jesus as her Savior, Tracy fought the school board in order to begin a Bible study on school grounds at her high school in Illinois. The dramatic transformation in Tracy's life has inspired many, including her own mother, to give their lives to Christ.
