Heart Surgery

HEART SURGERY

Jeremiah 4:4 (New King James Version)

“Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, And take away the foreskins of your hearts, You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury come forth like fire, And burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings.”

This scripture reveals the necessity of a deep, radical repentance. It is demonstrated by the call to circumcise the heart, a radical change in the total inner being.

To circumcise is to “cut off” that which causes “bacteria” and further contaminates (the heart). If feelings of envy, strife, unforgiveness, covetousness, greed, bitterness, etc are left undealt with, it can spread and infect others.

All these feelings are not from the Lord and He speaks of it so seriously, that He calls it “evil” and says that the fury of His fire will come forth. That’s serious! Once those feelings are dealt with and permanently cut off, it should be a done deal. No sense of trying to attach that thing you no longer need. Do not allow an issue or situation you have already dealt with to come back creeping into your hearts!

We must ask the Lord to reveal, cleanse, and wash our hearts from those feelings that are not of Him. The longer those evil thoughts lodge within us, the more damage the Destroyer will do.

Without allowing the Lord to do “heart surgery”, we will have further pain and will not be able to hold our peace.

Be obedient and ask for God’s perfect will in your life. That, my dear friends, is the first step to allowing the Lord to give you a circumcised heart.

See My Articles Written for the Examiner!

Dear Readers,

The RLM blog is still active however, we are expanding! We are still in business, we've just made a few changes here at Relentless Love Ministries. Please visit www.examiner.com/christianity-in-houston/christina-hollensbe to find many new articles about what the Lord is doing in our area.

Please take time to browse this site, I would love your feedback. I am excited about the new things the Lord is doing this year!

In His Name,

Christina

A NEW HOPE

I wonder how many of us have ever prayed for something or someone so long and so hard that we felt like we were sweating blood. You've done all you know how to do and prayed all you know how to pray and nothing. Well beloved, I am here to tell you that you've given it all you've got and now it's time to lay it on the altar of God.

The "altar" signifies the place where a sacrifice is made. It is the place where we truly worship and TRUST our loving God. Yes beloved, it is time to "sacrifice" that thing or that person you want and cherish the most. Just like in the book of Genesis, Abraham sacrificed his one and only son, Isaac and laid him at the altar. Or just like in the book of 1 Samuel, where Hannah sacrificed the son she had prayed for, for oh so long and gave him to the Lord.

Believing for a child?

GOD WILL make a way where there seems to be no way.

Hoping for a restored marriage?

GOD WILL turn hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.

Praying for the salvation of a loved one?

GOD WILL open the eyes so the blind man can see.

You have obeyed the Lord and He will surely keep His promises for "obedience is better than sacrifice". No more weeping and travailing. It is time to lay it at the altar and give it to God.

Now, be set free from all your fears, insecurities, and worries that hold you captive. Do not be afraid for our God is coming to rescue you! He knows your troubles and will repay the injustice you have suffered. Yes, beloved, you have suffered long enough. God is going to make the rough places in your life smooth again. The glory of the Lord will be revealed in your life and all the people around you will see it. The Lord himself has made this promise! (Isaiah 40:5)

No more whispers of, "Poor woman, she is barren." No more co-workers gossiping, "Their marriage is at the brink of a break!" No more church members commenting, "Her son is a drug addicted non-believer".

The Lord will strengthen you when you are weak. He will carry you. Just like a Shepherd would carry an injured lamb. He will carry you in His arms!

So I leave you with this hope taken from Isaiah 40:30-31:

"Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

Book Signing Event, Nov 19, 2010

Come join me at my next book signing event at the Grand Opening of Come Walk With Me- Christian Coffee House!

Diet! Lose Weight! Feel Great!

Ever get tired of all the blinking neon signs, crazy commercials, and confusing books on the latest diet fad screaming in your ear?

Coffee is toxic....

Coffee is good for you...

Eggs are high in cholesterol....

Eggs are good for you...

High protein diet is bad for you....

High protein diet is good for you...

With all these mixed messages and different resources to choose from, who dare not be confused? "Diet" should be nothing more than a way of balanced, healthy, eating. Now I'm not talking about the "diet" informercials that encourages you to intoxicate the body with pills, drugs, and fads. I'm talking about the foods that God himself created for us to enjoy.

In today's society, it is TABOO to look anything less than Lindsay Lohan, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford or Gisele Bundchen. Our minds are inundated with "worldly" views. Today I encourage you to take a few minutes and ask the Lord how you should eat to make you a better YOU! (Let's not get sucked into what the worldly magazines and commercials tell us we should look like).

I have a friend who battled diabetes for several years. It came to the point where she was literally lying in her death bed. After differing opinions from doctors, friends, and family members, she decided to consult with the omniscient, omnipotent, all-knowing, all-powerful God. In short, God revealed to her what is the healthiest "diet" for her and I am happy to report that today she is walking in freedom. She is free of sickness and disease. And in the process, she lost weight, looks great, and feels great!

Now, my NO MEANS, have I conquered this vicious ongoing cycle of the "on again, off again" diet regimen. But this I know for sure, I will no longer "buy" into the lies of all the commercials and latest diet fads. I choose to consult the all-knowing, all-powerful mind of Christ for healthier living and a healthier me!

How about you? Where do you stand today? Are you obsessed with food, weight, or image? I encourage you to take inventory and let us seek the mind of Christ together for a healthier walk and a healthier way with HIM.

GOD, Do You Hear Me?

I wonder how many of us have cried out to God during our deepest times of despair?

You know the kind. The kind where there is a wailing that is pushed out for the deepest part of your soul. From the terrorizing anguish of your heart. You cry...you pray...you hope.

Nothing.

Silence.

Crickets.

You hear not a word.

You feel hopeless...disappointed....distraught.

You're not alone. We have all been there at one time or another. Where life just seems too much to bear and you have nowhere to turn.

Beloved, do not be deceived by the silence. He is there...

Listening.

Watching.

Waiting.

He is speaking to you. Yes, even through the silence. Albeit through the crashing waves of the sea, through the birds tending to their chicks in their nest, or through the cool breeze brushing through your hair - as if to whisper...

"Everything is going to be all right."

Do not mistake His silence for rejection. Nor His delay for abandonment. Even in your despair, He is preparing you...arming you. For something greater. Something bigger. Something extraordinary.

Esther waited 13 years to become the Queen that would save the Jewish nation.

David waited 15 years to become the King of Israel.

Jesus waited 30 years to begin his ministry and become the KING of God's chosen people.

So do not lose heart beloved. His ear is attentive towards you...it is not all for not. He knows the plans He has for you. He is listening, He is watching, He is waiting...to perform the perfect destiny purposed for you and through you.

The Wilderness of Disbelief

"I want to remind you of how the Lord once rescued the people of Israel from Egypt, but afterward destroyed those who did not believe." (Jude 1:5)

To me, this is a hard but clear message. We must have faith and believe what God has promised us. I know in my own life, there have been times where I have been tempted to give up all hope and not believe. God knows what He is doing. We are in the best hands that we could possibly be in. He brought us out of "Egypt" (difficult childhood, destructive marriage, deteriorating health, poverty, stressful job, etc) so we should be PRAISING Him, not grumbling against Him. Yes, we may be going through a time of "wilderness" but let us not prolong His promises or be destroyed by our own disbelief. Remember the God that saved you from the depths of Egypt!

To walk in disbelief means to walk a life of destruction. This is a warning to us all if we forsake God in our disbelief and chase after other "idols". By doing this, we spoil anything good that Christ has for us.

So today beloved, have faith and believe God for what He has promised you. He has you in the palm of His hand and He will not disappoint!

FAITH

“I tell you the truth, there are some here who will not die until they have seen the Kingdom of God come with Power.” (Mark 9:1)

There are some that will not die to themselves until they have seen the miracles of God come to pass. When Jesus said you must “die”, He wasn’t speaking of a physical death, He was speaking of a spiritual one. He was talking about dying from your own selfish needs, wants, or desires in order to be spiritually alive in Him.

To die to oneself is to die with Christ and be totally surrendered to Him in order that you may be raised with Christ.

To die is to lose your life (and yourself) for the sake of Christ. God wants you to be “put to death” so to speak, so that He can give you life. He alone can breathe life into your existence, your purpose, and equip you with the resources you need to “live”.

Unfortunately, many do not want to believe in Christ until they see a powerful miracle come to pass. But Jesus says in John 20:29, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Also, Abraham believed by faith and it was credited to him as righteousness. (Romans 4:9) I know in my own life, I saw many miracles come to pass after I stepped out in faith and made the decision to believe in Him.

Ultimately the enemy wants to shake your faith because he knows that if he can shake your faith, he can have you question God and hinder your communication with Him. Recognize that God wants to move you into a new season of harvest in your life. Recognize that God wants you to die to yourself and obey by faith!

I urge you, do not be moved by your circumstances. Speak positively over your life and release what God has promised you.

Today, choose to die from your own selfish needs, wants, or desires and see the Kingdom of God come into your life with power and might!

Heavenly Minded

The Lord says, “My people perish for lack of vision.” Are you one that is “heavenly-minded”? Or are you one who is easily distracted by the world around you and is “worldly-minded” Cling tight to the vision that Lord has put within your heart. Don’t allow the things of this world to deter you.

In Exodus, we read that the Israelites had been crying out to the Lord taken as captive slaves in Egypt. For years they had a vision of being free and living a promised life. Yet, when that day finally came, right before they were going to enter into the Promise Land, they grumbled against the Lord and said, “It would be better to be slaves there [in Egypt] than to die here in the desert.” (Exodus 14:12). Beloved, do you sometimes feel that way? Have you believed the Lord for a certain promise but when things got tough, you wanted to go back and do things your own way? The Lord says that when we return back to the old things, it is “like a dog returning back to his vomit”. Don’t go back. Hang tight knowing that God’s promises are just on the other side of that mountain. Satan wants to put doubt in your mind to turn you away from the things of God. That’s been his wryly scheme since the beginning of time. He did it with Eve in the Garden of Eden, “Did God really say you couldn’t eat from the tree in the garden?” Don’t fall into that trap. Be heavenly-minded.

Again I say, don’t give up before you get your promise. Don’t be like Moses. Right before entering the Promise Land, he got tired of doing things God’s way and in disobedience, struck water from the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. He was banned from entering into the Promise Land. Do you desire to have that same fate?

Consider this, after several plagues, the Egyptians finally decided to listen to God and let the Israelites go. However, soon after, they reverted back to doing things their own way and chased after the Israelites. When God parted the Red Sea, every single one of the Egyptian soldiers were brought to death as they were swallowed up by the depths of the ocean sea.

Do not allow your heart, mind, body, spirit, and soul to be brought to death in disobedience to God. Stand firm in obedience knowing that your promise is on the other side. Don’t worry about what is happening in the world around you. Make your head like flint and remain “heavenly-minded”!

GOD'S PROVISION

Beloved, do you feel you are in a hopeless situation today? Is your life in such despair and disarray that there seems to be no hope for you? Well rest assured, help is on the way! Our God is a God of provision. He is never too late, never too early, but just on time. If you are in a desperate situation today, do not be discouraged or think God is being delayed, know that He is simply preparing the provision. He will present you with your provision at its proper time. He has already foreseen everything that you would need before you were even in your mother’s womb. He thinks of you day and night and He is the God that never sleeps or slumbers. While you were sleeping, His eyes were not removed from you. You are constantly in His sight!

In Genesis, He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

For Abraham, God provided a ram in the thicket.

For Isaac, God provided a good wife.

For Jacob, God provided the father’s blessing.

For YOU, God will provide!

So do not be discouraged today. Help is on the way and God is preparing His provision for you. Be encouraged. His eyes are forever fixated on you!

SELFISHNESS

Beloved, I urge you to check your heart today. Are you a person who is selfish? Or are you a person who rejoices with others although you do not get your way? Selfishness stems from the fear of “getting the short end of the stick”. You need to rest in Christ. To “rest” in Him means to be still and quiet. Not to act upon your own selfish ambitions or motives. It is wise to rest in the heart of God. Rest in Him, beloved. Rest in HIM.

My husband and I once took a trip to an amusement park. It was filled with challenging games, exhilarating rides, and delicious foods. Although my husband loves to ride on those extreme rollercoasters, honestly for me, the best part of the amusement park is the funnel cake! My husband gets a thrill from rollercoasters that does the most excellent job of twirling your stomach…right to the point of regurgitation. I don’t quite feel the same. With a nervousness in my tummy, clinched teeth, and eyes shut…up and down and all around on the rollercoaster rides I went. Sick to my stomach, consumed with anxiety, and drenched in nervous sweat, was my experience as I stood in line every time. Why would I do it? Why would I put myself through such “torture”? Simply because I knew my husband enjoyed it, that’s why. Seeing his facial expressions turn from a tough, rugged man to an excited, teenage boy made it all worth it!

What about you? When you take a family vacation, are you the one that kicks and screams when you don’t get your way? Or are you the one that lets others make decisions on what they want to do, resting and trusting in God? A great joy can take place even when you do not get your way. The type of joy that comes from knowing God loves you and knows who you are and where you are going…a joy of knowing that EVERY circumstance and your future is secure as you rest in HIM.

“When God finds a soul that rests in Him and is not easily moved…to this same soul He gives the joy of His presence.” – Catherine of Genoa

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken…My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge…One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” (Psalm 62:1-2, 7-8, 11-12)

So beloved, today I urge you to rejoice with others although you may not get your way. Do not be consumed with fear and thoughts of getting the “short end of the stick”. Do not act on your own selfish ambition or motives, it will get you in trouble every time. Rest in the heart of God. Be still. And be quite.

FEAR

With reports from the news, friends, and family; on job loss, economic downfall, violent crimes, and terrorist attacks – it’s difficult to remain calm and not be consumed by fear. When fear seizes us, it rules over our lives and we become captive to it. Don’t be consumed by the “what ifs”. “What if I get Cancer?” “What if I lose my job?” “What if I don’t make enough money?” “What if my spouse leaves me?” “What if no one respects me?” Ninety-nine percent of the time, we worry ourselves sick over negative circumstances that never happen. We worry ourselves sick for no reason! “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)

If you are reading this today, and if you are a believer, then God has adopted you as HIS son (or daughter). When you’re in the presence of a strong and loving Father, there’s no need to fear!

If understanding God’s love for you is an area that you struggle with, pray that you will clearly perceive the love of the Father. Significant events take place when we do not allow fear to rule over our lives. Have reverence for the Lord and He promises to deliver you from your enemies, protect you from evil, keep his eye on you, show you mercy, give you riches and honor, supply everything you need, reveal all you need to know, bless your children and grandchildren, give you confidence, give you a satisfying life, longevity, and the desires of your heart!

So do not allow your present circumstances to paralyze you with fear. Walk in the confidence of knowing that God loves you and He will protect you from the seizing fear of the “what ifs”.

Muslim Mosque at Ground Zero

The Muslim Mosque being built near Ground Zero is both disturbing and disheartening to me. What is it going to take America to turn back to your first Love? The God in which this country was founded on? Radical Islamic militants are taking over our country and we just simply fund them the resources, step aside, and watch them do it. The Islamic faith has declared war on America. They call those that are not Muslims pigs, infidels, and worse. They are incognito in our neighborhoods, transportation systems, universities, and businesses. Furthermore, they are infiltrating our American Government. My purpose for this blog is not a "hate" or "smear" campaign. On the contrary, it is my love for America and all the people who dwell in it that I am trying to raise awareness. It has been said that the Islamic culture is known for building upon their conquering area. Hence, building a mosque on Ground Zero. Radical Islam is taking over our country. Wake up America. Awake and Arise!

I want to hear your thoughts! Please post your comments, concerns, and feedback!

Fainting Goats

HE IS YOUR SWEET COMFORT

“THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

Beloved, are you full of stress and worry today? Are you being entangled and gripped with fear? Fear paralyzes us from moving forward into the call that the Lord has for us. In essence, fear is the lack of faith and trust in Him to do what He said he was going to do in your life. The spirit of fear is not given to us by God. It is a lie from the enemy to try to demote us into cowardice and timidity. We have a natural tendency to “fight” or “flight” when we are gripped with stressful, fearful, uncomfortable situations. The enemy’s tactic is for us to “flight” (run from) the promises of God when we lack faith.

God wants to be your sweet comforter during these intense circumstances. When God comforts you, He calls you to His side and encourages you and alleviates your grief. It is during these difficult circumstances that you will be able to see God’s greater degree of tenderness and love for you. Not that He cared for you or loved you even less before, however, you will be more sensitive to his affection towards you. It is the sweet love and comfort of the Father.

In a court of justice, a counsel of defense is used as an advocate to plead another’s case. The legal counsel is generally at that person’s side and acts as an intercessor on that person’s behalf. In the same way, the sweet Lord Jesus wants to comfort you and intercede on your behalf. Cling to His side that he may comfort you!

When I was a child, I remember going to a goat farm. What I remember most about these goats is that there was something unique and unusual about them that made me laugh every time; they were “fainting goats”. A fainting goat is a breed of goats whose muscles freeze when the goat get’s frightened. Every time we would get near these goats, they would collapse on its side, gripped with fear. When startled, the younger goats would stiffen and fall over. The older goats had learned to spread their legs or lean against something when startled, and often they would continue to run about in an awkward, stiff-legged shuffle. The older goats had learned how to move forward and prevent themselves from falling. The immature goats had not yet learned this skill.

So I ask you, which one are you? Are you the young, immature goat that falls over and gives up in times of testing? If so, be assured that our adversary is laughing at you. Or are you the more mature goat, trusting in God and moving forward, even if it may feel uncomfortable and awkward? Know that He is with you beloved and has you by His side. Do not be gripped with fear for He is your stronghold and you shall not be afraid!

Deliver Us from Temptation

In order to be delivered from temptation, I must ask this one question. Are you one who truly loves the Lord? James 1:12 says this:

“Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive (the victor’s) crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.”

This is God’s promise to those who love Him. So again I ask, are you one who truly loves the Lord? It is important to search our hearts in asking this question if we want God’s promises for our lives. What does it mean to love Him? Here is a brief definition taken from the original language:

LOVE – A strong attachment to and a desire to be in the presence of. Actions of strong affection and commitment.

Is that you beloved? Do you have a strong attachment to the Lord and have a strong desire to be in His presence? If so, your actions and commitment in spending time with Him shall speak for themselves. Spending time doesn’t necessarily mean doing…doing…doing. It shouldn’t be a chore. It should be your heart’s desire to read His Word, sing songs of praise unto Him, and speak (pray) to Him. As we do this, we pull on Christ’s heart strings. He cannot help but love us in return. The result? The strength to overcome temptations and God’s evident promises in our lives. Beloved, test your heart against the definition of love towards the Lord so all may go well with you. If you do not have the desire to constantly be in His presence, pray for it. I assure you, He will gladly comply with your request.

BEAUTIFUL YOU

“You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.” (Psalm 139:5)

Beloved, do you feel “hemmed” in today? Like a baby tightly wrapped in its receiving blanket, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to move? You just can’t seem to get anywhere? Do you deem yourself an infant, without the power to move or without the power of speech? So many times we are mature in our own eyes but God allows the “hemming” in so we may allow Him to work in us and through us. That is what it means to be become truly mature and beautiful. Do you realize that the definition of “beautiful” has nothing to do with outward appearance? In the original language, beautiful means, “that which is produced at the right time.” Beloved, God is hemming you in so that you may be mature and used for His purpose at the appropriate time. Remember your teenage years? Oh how we thought we were wise in our own eyes. We thought we were so mature. Looking back at old photos, we realize how young and immature we truly were. It’s the same with our spiritual walks today. God wants to make us more and more beautiful. Rest assured, it is God himself who is hemming you in and He has laid His powerful hand upon you. Consider it an honor and a privilege that He finds you worthy enough to hem you in. Rejoice beloved. Rejoice!

Let me leave you with this picture. Butterflies are “hemmed” in when they are wrapped in their cocoons. Did you know, if we try to open the cocoon before it is time, we can destroy the butterfly? You see, at the appropriate time, butterflies will break out of their cocoons. The butterfly gets its colors, designs, and gains strength in its wings all during the time it is slowly trying to break out of its cocoon. Otherwise, if the cocoon is cracked open too soon, its wings will be damaged and destroyed. It will not be able to fly. Do not open the cocoon before it is time beloved. Allow Him to hem you in so that when you burst forth…you will see the beautiful you.

God's Goodness

When we find ourselves in stressful, “sticky” situations, we should first and foremost cry out to God. Prior to making a decision and letting our emotions take action, we should lean on Him. When we lean on Him, we walk without fear, full of hope and confidence to do His will. At times we may ask ourselves, “What have I done so wrong to deserve this mistreatment?” Do not look at yourself or your present circumstances. Listen to the voice that harkens unto you:

“Do not think I will bring my people to the point of birth and not let them be born.” (Isaiah 66:9)

Beloved, do you feel trapped and forsaken by God today? He hasn’t forsaken you. Do you think he has brought you this far to disappoint you now? God is faithful to complete the work he has started in you. In the midst of giving birth, can a woman retract herself from borning a son? Neither will the Lord retract from doing what He has promised. It is His character. It is His Love. It is the grace and goodness of God.

God Takes the "Ordinary" and Adds the "Extra"

When we live our lives with Jesus, He makes the ordinary moments of our lives, extraordinary. God himself dwells among us, even in while we are in the middle of the most mundane of tasks. Extraordinary treasures are hidden within the most ordinary of people. Beloved, do you feel ordinary today? Do not be dismayed. David was considered an ordinary shepherd boy but God used him to kill Goliath. Moses was considered ordinary and had a speech impediment, but God used him to speak to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites to freedom. Jesus was considered ordinary (He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. - Isaiah 53:2), yet through him we are justified for the salvation of our souls!

Let me reassure you today...God does not create anything ordinary. He created you, and You will do extraordinary things!

The Royal House of America

Many of you have probably already heard the controversy surrounding the alleged assassination of attorney John Hemenway. His crime? He brought a quo warranto against President Obama. Coincidence? Maybe, but many speculate. If we truly knew what went on behind closed doors of the "The Royal House of America" (the White House), we would tremble in terror. Thus, I believe the Lord is about to shake our Nation.

"Like a whirlwind sweeping across the desert...disaster will (surely) come." (Isaiah 21:1)

If you are reading this, and you do not know the Lord, what are you waiting for? What is about to happen upon the earth cannot be rectified by monetary means, the American Military, or intellect. Surprised by the economic downfall, housing crash, natural disasters, and daily news? Don't be. The Lord foretold it long ago...2000 years ago to be exact. Are you ready?

What can we do? Fast and pray Americans...fast and pray.