Exalt Him

Liebster Blog Award

2012-01-18T20:25:00.000-06:00

I am so honored that my friend Paula nominated me for the Liebster Blog Award! This is my very first blog award for this blog! Paula's blog Grace Made Me really reveals her heart for God not to mention the design is so ridiculously CUTE!

Liebster is awarded to blogs that have less than 200 followers. The Liebster Award allows fellow bloggers to show gratitude and to network with each other. It also gives readers access to even more awesome blogs to follow!
Here are the guidelines for accepting the award:

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
2. Link back to the blogger who awarded you.
3. Copy & Paste the award to your blog.
4. Nominate 5 blogs to receive the award. **In my case it will be one**
5. Inform them of their nomination by leaving a comment on their blog.

I am recommending the following blogs for The Liebster Award:

Single Living & Love

A Sustaining Grace

2011-12-14T18:09:00.000-06:00

As most Americans during this time, I too am facing some economic hardships. For the past six months to the present, I have truly learned the meaning of "walking by faith." I have seen God work in some miraculous ways! He has answered prayers immediately! He is sustaining me in such a way that I have to give Him ALL the glory. He truly has and continues to make ways for me when I know there is no "earthly" way.

We all have an adversary who is trying to distract us from trusting and believing God. On Sunday this adversary began to oppress me, I felt like I was pressed on every side and wanted to give up. The enemy will feed your thoughts will all kinds of doubt and utter foolishness but this is when you must combat his words with the Word of God. As my pity party began on Sunday the Holy Spirit quickly brought it to an end my laying Proverbs 24:10 on my heart.

Proverbs 24:10
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

This small verse swept the words that the enemy had planted in my head right out! How can my strength be small when my life is hidden in Jesus Christ! It is written that, "I can do ALL things through Christ that strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:1) I refuse to faint because my strength is not mine at all it comes from God!

Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10 are the very words of God and God does not lie! This scripture lets me know that God will strengthen me. How can I faint when the God that made heaven and earth strengthens me! I am encouraged! I pray that all of you that read this will be encouraged also! Listen to the Holy Spirit it will lead and guide you to the very scripture that will minister to your situation.

Turn

2011-12-02T13:31:00.001-06:00

II Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

This scripture cannot be quoted enough considering the times we are living in. Most often we miss who this message is directed towards, Believers. The Lord clearly states, "my people." As we read we come to understand that there must be some wickedness and sin among believers. The all loving, enduring mercy having, true and living God gives us a way to come out of all this. He advises us to pray. Communicate with Him. When we do this the Holy Spirit will begin to humble our heart so that we can "turn" from all the wickedness and sin among us. God is forever trying to bring us closer to Him. His desire is for us to share our daily lives and concerns with Him. He will never become tired of us if we seek Him from a sincere heart.

I would like to encourage you all to pray. It is such an awesome activity. Just think about it, in prayer you have God all to yourself. The God of the universe who never slumbers or sleeps is listening to you at that very moment and He will answer! Oh what an awesome God! Never let the enemy make you believe that God does not hear you or doesn't care. God is the one who told us to, "pray without ceasing.">> I Thessalonians 5:17 So obey Him and TURN and pray! Turn from all the cares of this world that are pulling in every direction. Turn from FB and Twitter. Turn and PRAY!

Turn to Jesus...

Pants on Fire...

2011-12-02T12:43:00.001-06:00

There are millions of lies being told daily. The number goes up during the election season. Lately, I have been very vexed by how casually people lie. Lying with no conviction whatsoever about things that are not even worth lying about. I'm not pointing fingers and hiding behind this computer screen either. I was once a liar not a notorious liar but I have told my share. Once I started to build a relationship with Jesus Christ and coming into the full knowledge of who He is, the Holy Spirit started to convict me even if I begin to "think up" a lie. The Bible is very frank about how God deals with liars.

Psalms 101:7

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

So a person that tells lies will not even be allowed in the sight of God. There are those that may not lying directly but hiding behind lies. These people willingly listen and encourage lies. The Bible speaks on these kind of people also.

Revelation 22:15

For without (those who will not be in the "city" of heaven- read verse 14) are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

You can't be one that "love lies" either. You may not be the one who told the lie but the lie was beneficial to you so you allowed it to carry on. Honestly in most situations the "naked" truth hurts but it immediately sets your spirit free and eventually heals the wound. A lie makes a wound and over time it tears it open and the infections spreads. That infection has broken up families, ended relationships, brought down careers, and ultimately separated people from God and their Saviour Jesus Christ. I encourage you all to turn to Jesus with true repentance about the lies that you have told or took part in and ask Him to continually deal with your heart about lying.

Turn to Jesus....

Piercing the Darkness

2011-11-11T23:45:00.001-06:00

Piercing the Darkness by Frank E. Peretti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I remember when my mother purchased both books, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. She tried to get me to read them when I was in high school but all the angels and spiritual warfare stuff really spooked me back then. I snagged, Piercing the Darkness, from her house a few years ago and finally started reading it earlier this year. I found it to be a slow read but I’m glad I stuck with it.

Lucy Brandon thought her daughter, Amber, had an innocent imaginary childhood friend when she acted out as Amethyst, the horse, but she was really possessed by a demon spirit. This “possession” propelled the forces of darkness into motion in the small town of Bacon’s Corner. Peretti sets the story in motion quickly and then gives us the details through the middle. Tom Harris, director of the local Christian school, children has been taken by Child Protective Services and he has been charged with child abuse. The child abuse charges does not stem from him abusing his own children but for spanking and trying to cast Amethyst out of Amber. While all this is going on there is a background story and the main character is a mysterious woman named Sally Roe. What happens to Sally Roe ultimately affects the outcome of things in Bacon’s Corner. The most intriguing part of the entire novel is how the ranks of angels and demons actually move the story along.

Peretti gives a lot of background and details so the middle of the story was kind of hard to work through. There was always a lot of suspense and the ending was riveting! My favorite characters had to be the “angels.” It was so great how Peretti made them so diverse. They were of all nationalities. The names that Peretti gave the demons made you really think about how these evil spirits can infiltrate our daily lives. They had names like despair, insanity, destroyer, strongman, and many more. Peretti made it real clear how effective the power of prayer can be when believers unify and cast away demonic imps such as “discord” and “gossip.” We also saw how the spiritual wickedness really is in “high” places.

There were a lot of shocking revelations and moments in the text when you speed read to see what happens next. The most moving and beautifully written part for me was when Sally Roe came to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. At that moment, she found peace and confidence that she had been searching for for years.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” – Ephesians 6:12

View all my reviews

Chatter Box or Church Mouse

2011-10-09T01:06:00.002-05:00

Psalm 12:6
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

People are just plain reckless with their words now that we have the internet and all the social media outlets it includes. One Facebook status or 140 character tweet can start a firestorm the Pacific ocean can't put out! This is why it is so important for believers to continually "cleanse" themselves with the Word of God.

Psalm 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

The only way we can rid ourselves of the words that attach to us each day from others is by taking a plunge into the Word of God. I have this image in mind of myself as a magnet that is just standing with all these words attached to me randomly that I have heard via the phone, text, or read over the course of a day. The negative words are the real "sticky" ones. The idle words just hang on wherever they can. The Word of God will wash away all the negative and idle words but the words that are "sent" by Him will take root in your heart. If you don't take a bath daily in the Word of God those words that are suppose to stay in your heart will be "uprooted" by all the negative and idle words .>>Matthew 13:19-23

God's words are pure. holy, and true. His word can be trusted. His word has been tried over time and none of it has come up short. We as believers should speak and meditate on His Word so that our days can be filled with peace and joy. It has never failed that any time someone says something negative or offensive to me and I go "immediately" to the word of God I always feel better or God gives me the grace to handle the situation. The flip side of that is when I "immediately" get on the phone, text, or tweet about the negative comment or situation I get more "vexed."

Since we are in an age where we are more connected with less filters and fact checking we should concentrate more on "letting the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in His sight." >>Psalm 19:14 Take a moment to "study" before you answer, text, tweet, FB, or IM. >>Proverbs 15:28 Take inventory of your words because He let's us know that: "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement." >>Matthew 12:36

To Flee or To Stand?

2011-08-23T02:31:00.005-05:00

Genesis 27:20, 22-23a, 43

20-And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Behold cause the Lord thy God brought it to me.

In this verse we see that Jacob, is proceeding with the plan his mother Rebekah had established to deceive his father Isaac. Jacob was trying to steal a blessing. If you read the verses prior you will see that the latter portion of this scripture is a lie. The Lord did not lead Jacob to any venison matter -of- fact the soup was not even made of venison but young goats (v.9). Today we see a great number of people lying on God the same way Jacob did. Many are saying God appointed and called them to do certain work when He actually hasn’t said a word. Their motive, like Jacob’s, is to deceive and to try to bribe their way to a blessing. God cannot be bribed nor deceived.

22-And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him and said, The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.

When we encounter false prophets\teaching there ought to be a “check” in our spirit. At first you may not be able to know exactly what it is but there will be something in their message that does not line up with the Word of God. If you are paying attention and not taken in by their finesse the Holy Ghost will make it clear to you. The Holy Ghost will lead and guide us in ALL truth (John 15:13).

23a-And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him.

When you are not seeking God nor baptized with His precious Holy Ghost you will not be able to discern false prophets/teaching. If you cannot discern these lies you will be led astray. In this day and time evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse (II Timothy 3:13). Don’t get so caught up in a person’s personality or how big your church or church denomination is that you can’t hear the voice of God. Your faith and hope should be in nothing but Jesus Christ and the complete work of the Cross. Base your faith on and in the Cross. This is how you will endure to the end. Don’t become some blinded by vanity that you will start to lie on the all knowing all powerful God. Stand on and for the truth.

43-Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;

Jacob had to flee his home because Esau discovered his deceit and got mad enough to kill him. Sooner or later the false prophets\teachers lies will be exposed. A lie cannot prevail. The Word of God says, “that the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44) and he prevailed not (Revelation 12:7-8).” If you stand on the truth, the Word of God, you will endure to the end. The truth will set you free (John 8:32) and you will never have to flee in shame. Make a choice today, flee or stand!

Who Will Persuade You?

2011-08-09T03:29:00.003-05:00

Galatians 1:6, 10-11

⁶I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

¹⁰For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

¹¹But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

Sunday night after church, my cousin and I were eating and another church member came in who had given the message earlier. We began talking about how we as believers need to revisit/get back to the messge of The Cross. His message was, "Who is Jesus to You?" This is a question that all believers should ask themselves periodically. Your relationship with Jesus will determine how you answer this question. As for me, He is my Saviour, my life, my all in all, the keeper of my soul, my counselor, my peace, my friend, and so much more. He is something new to me daily and sometimes hourly. If you don't allow Jesus to be the "Lord" over your life you will be "soon removed" from Him. Another way to be "soon removed" from His Gospel, is to become caught up in people and their titles. Heaven will not honor man made titles. The man/woman that you are looking to as your "god" may or may not enter in but Jesus will be there. Jesus has always been there. So why not stay focused on the One who is preparing a place for you in heaven and who is coming back for you personally? Wow, now that's love!

Matthew 13:3-8

³And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

⁴And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

⁵Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

⁶And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

⁷And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

⁸But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Once you come to know Jesus as your personal Saviour, you should not be so easily persuaded away from His truth. The enemy will creep in and choke out the seed that has been planted if you are not cultivating it. If you are not studying the Word of God, how do you know what you believe? You will not have an answer for the opposition. Not studying will lead to much confusion and questioning when someone suggestions “another way.”

If you are a believer who has lost your way I want to encourage you to invite Him into your heart as you read this. Let Him be the Lord over your life. Lay all your cares and pressures on Him. Know that Jesus is your “daily” bread. Abide in Him. Trust Him.

Sheltered

2011-07-11T23:12:00.008-05:00

Luke 9:58

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

How do you respond to homeless people? Be honest. Do you live in an area where they are so plentiful that you just see them as apart of the landscape? Do you view the homeless as someone else's problem? I'm asking because I heard a moving podcast where an ex-homeless man told his story. His main focus was that these people have names, most had fulfilling lives, and families that love them.

Where I live there is a moderate size homeless population. There is one particular homeless man that I see often. I live in a part of the city that is very close to a large shopping mall, plenty restaurant chains, gas stations, and about three minutes from the interstate. This man has picked a prime location. Oftentimes I see him at the busiest gas station of three that are located at a busy intersection. He never directly asks me for money. Matter of fact whenever I see him I never see him ask anyone for money directly. I am moved with compassion every time I see a homeless person but I lean to the Holy Ghost for discernment before I give them money. Every time I see the homeless man that lives around my area, I am compelled to give him money. Even though he never asks if I have it I give it to him. I always say a prayer for him. He is noticeably mentally ill. A few weeks ago we had an encounter that has stayed with me. I went to the gas station he frequents to pick up a Redbox movie. I saw him but he was just glancing around looking for remnants of what I would think was trash. He did not say anything to me. He went and picked up a discarded cup from under a a new Mercedes. I got my movie and got back in my car. I was moved to give him the dollars I had in my purse. So I called him over to my window and gave him the money closing with a, "God bless you." He stopped looked at me and said very coherently, "No, God is going to bless you better than I can tell you." Needless to say I sobbed all the way home. I needed those words. I am currently facing a hard trial of faith that had just began a few days prior to that encounter. Those know those words were divinely ordered just for me.

My homeless man could be a scholar, a man who just lost his way, or an addict that can't seem to kick his habit. I don't know his story but God does. He knows his past, present, and future. Before we judge, dismiss, or snap at the less fortunate remember that they are made in God's image. He knows them. They have a soul. They may be an angel. Jesus was homeless. Be mindful and lean not to your own understanding the next time you see a homeless person.

Looking for a Counselor?

2011-06-27T20:49:00.007-05:00

Psalm 60:11

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

While following the Pastor Sunday during his sermon, I happened to glance at this scripture and it has stayed in my spirit. In the times of trouble or difficult situations, we tend to immediately turn to family, friends, the church, or various agencies. God can most definitely use these people and agencies to bless us but if He doesn't engineer the blessing it will only lead to more difficulties/trouble. It's time to allow Jesus to be our "Wonderful Counsellor" ::Isaiah 9:6::. We are letting everyone counsel us but God. We will turn to the TV (ie, Dr. Phil, Oprah, CNN), magazines, the internet, and social media before we get on our knees and pray or open the Bible. If we would "acknowledge God in ALL our ways He will direct our paths" ::Proverbs 3:6::. It is the getting to the acknowledging part that people seem to have the most trouble with. How you gonna say you love God when you can't trust Him? He's God why wouldn't He be able to fix your situation or better yet your life? We are so busy being led by our own will's and someone else's advice that most often times we can't even hear Him.

"...vain is the the help of man." Any help that we receive/seek out that is not divinely appointed will be fleeting. The help of man can become burdensome because "men" often want something in return. "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." ::Proverbs 10:22::. When God blesses you with something or someone there is no "struggle". When God gives a blessing there is a "completeness" that comes along with it. Things obtained via man they may have some critical elements missing. God is a God of details so He will never leave anything out or to chance.

When situations arise we should not immediately hit panic mode and forsake our faith and the promises of God. Panic will have you to make some foolish decisions (ie, Saul-the King ::I Samuel 13::). It is time to stand on the Word of God and hold fast to our faith.

Mark 11:22

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

It's Already Done

2011-05-30T21:01:00.003-05:00

Joshua 6:2

And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.

We all have heard the story of the Wall of Jericho falling since our very first Sunday School classes (if you attended). It is one of those stories from Bible that we have heard so much that we think we just "know" it. It is good to review these familiar stories because sometimes we miss the golden nuggets focusing on the climax. I'm also guilty of taking these familiar stories for granted. Sunday my Pastor's sermon was on this passage of scripture. When we read verse two it was like the Holy Ghost lifted the words off the page and I was like WOW.

Before God gave Joshua the instructions on what to do, He told him it was already done! Before one step was taken around the Wall of Jericho it had already fallen in the spiritual realm. All Joshua had to do was say, 'Yes Lord' and obey the instructions. One point that my Pastor made on Sunday was that God always has "uncommon strategies" to defeat the devil. I'm only sure if Joshua didn't think it some of the Children of Israel questioned in their minds would simply walking around wall work. Sometimes we think we have to fight/confront our problems when God has a simpler way of working it out. That is why it is imperative to seek Him before we do anything.

Once we truly get the fact that "we do not wrestle with flesh and blood...(Ephesians 6:12)" and the battle is in the spirit realm we will give over to God immediately. We cannot do anything or make anything happen on our own "fleshly" accord. God has to be the author and finisher of everything that happens in our lives. Today know that what "it" is "it is already done" in the name of Jesus! The "complete" work of the Cross ended every struggle. Take it to the Cross and let Him work for you!

STOP...and see His Glory!

2011-05-22T23:30:00.004-05:00

Exodus 3:3-4

3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

Moses had to turn aside from his agenda to see the Glory of God. Most are familiar with the story of Moses. He was rescued by Pharaoh's daughter after her father had given a decree that all the Hebrew male babies were to be killed. Moses's mother sent him down the Nile in a basket believing God. He was rescued and raised in the palace. Moses retired to Midian after slaying and Egyptian that he saw smiting a Hebrew. He took a wife in Midian and began to tend his father-in-law's sheep.

I'm only sure Moses thought that tending sheep and building a family in Midian was his new life. How many of us know that when God has a plan and purpose for our lives He will totally obliterate your plans and place of contentment. To see the Glory of God we must turn from our will. We must completely STOP what we want to do and give over fully to God. Moses had to take his eyes off the sheep long enough to see the bush. He could have dimissed it as just a bush that had caught fire and would burn out soon. When he turn away from his daily routine and saw that the bush was not being consumed by the fire....then God spoke. God didn't speak until He saw that Moses had turned his "full attention" to the bush. God is not going to push you down to make you see His Glory.

Isaiah 42:20

20 Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.

Most of the time we are so caught up in our home, work, and church routines that we are only catching glimpses of God's Glory. We are not really taking the time to observe what God is doing in our lives or in the world around us. Most of us are definitely to busy to hear Him. We are God's ambassadors on earth but when are we going to stop long enough to get the instructions for the work He has for us to do. What if Moses had not stopped and turned aside to see and hear from God? True, God could have used someone else to deliver the Children of Israel but he ordained the task for Moses. Let us be so observant and listen so attentively that we don't miss the moment God has ordained for us.

It's a Trap!

2011-04-04T21:52:00.005-05:00

Judges 14-16

Hosea 7:9a

The Holy Ghost "came upon" Samson to give him victory over his enemies as long as he was walking in obedience to God. The obedience was in not cutting his hair and following the additional rules given to those of the Nazirite order. When he gave in to the temptations of the enemy which resulted in his hair being cut he experienced sudden destruction. The Holy Ghost represents the Spirit of God and it can not move when it does not recognize Holiness or obedience to God.

Many that are filled with the Holy Ghost today are in Samson like situations, lying with the "tempter" too long. Their heads are lying in the wrong laps. When you continue to lie with the tempter you are building up the flesh and not your inner man ( the Holy Ghost) and the desires of the flesh will eventually overtake you. When Delilah advised Samson that the Philistines were upon him after she had cut his hair, he went to shake himself as in previous times but the Lord had departed from him (Judges 16:20).

What was so devastating is the fact that Samson did not even recognize that the Holy Ghost had left him . The Bible states that enemy comes to steal, kill, and DESTROY (John 10:10) but it also says that we are not ignorant to satan's devices (II Corinthians 2:11). When we build the flesh and not our inner man, where the Spirit lives, we will not be able to recognize nor overcome the devices that the enemy has laid to distract/destroy us. I thank God for his mercy! Samson was given another chance when he called upon the God of his salvation (Judges 16:28)! God still received the glory and won the victory over the enemy! I thank God for being a merciful and kind God today! If you recognize that you are lying with the tempter, I advise you to turn to Jesus and repent today. You never know when you may arise and the enemy is upon you to destroy you and the Holy Ghost has departed.

Intercession

2011-02-24T16:06:00.004-06:00

Unfortunately, in today’s society we are seeing an increase in sexual abuse against children. These children are not given a choice their innocence is being taken from them by force. As these children grow into adults they are faced with monumental emotional problems. We all make choices in life that have led to various consequences good and bad. When we make the choices that lead to bad consequences there is no one to blame but ourselves but in the cases of childhood sexual and physical abuse the choice was made by someone else which makes it harder to deal with the consequences as an adult.

There is a bigger problem that most of us can’t even conceive the magnitude of called: sex trafficking. Some of these girls are taken as young as five years old. They are either sold or kidnapped into this horrible life. I can’t even imagine growing up without anyone to love me in an environment where my body is being used for another person’s selfish purposes. I can’t even comprehend the emotional devastation. I want to encourage everyone that reads this post to say a special prayer for the victims of sexual/physical abuse and especially for the young girls and women that are being sold and forced into a life of prostitution.

I’m also encouraged because I know that the God I serve is able to deliver, redeem, and heal TODAY! I have faith that our praying is not in vain and that as we pray God is moving and setting free!

Isaiah 9:4 (King James Version)

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

Prayer:

Father God we come before you now asking you to deliver your children out of the hands of the oppressor. Make a way out for them. Let them know and feel Your love and compassion. Lift up their bowed down heads and heal their broken hearts. Redeem their lives to you. In Jesus name we pray and believe, Amen.

SHOUTING OUT @ BABYLON: JESUS beat the devil with two sticks...the CROSS!

2011-02-17T17:08:00.000-06:00

SHOUTING OUT @ BABYLON: JESUS beat the devil with two sticks...the CROSS!

Our Leaning Post

2011-02-17T15:10:00.002-06:00

Proverbs 3:5-Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

This is a scripture that is quoted a lot. We tend to quote it but are we really applying it to our lives. When various situations arise and we don’t have all the details we tend to worry, speculate, and over analyze. Calling and discussing the problem with various parties will only bring about monumental confusion. When everything is blown out of proportion we finally turn to God. God can’t be our last resort. He has to be the first choice. Like we automatically grab the cell phone in a tense situation we need to pray and ask God to help us automatically get on our knees or bow our heart.

Regardless, if we have all the details about the situation or not, God has the final say so. Our insight is limited but He is “The Ancient of Days”. He knows our ending in the beginning. He is Alpha and Omega! This over qualifies Him as the “go to” person when life issues arise. What is even better is that there is no appointment needed nor is there a consultation fee. He only requires one point of contact and His name is Jesus! Jesus it one of the most accessible people I know. No matter what time it is or where your location may be He can be reached.

It is left up to us to get God’s perspective and insight on life’s problems and situations. He is willing to tell us all He knows.

Jeremiah 33:3-Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

God’s advice and insight is the best we could ask for seeing that He already has ALL the answers. Trust Him when you don’t understand it all…

YouTube - Bishop G. E. Patterson - At The Name Jesus

2011-01-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

YouTube - Bishop G. E. Patterson - At The Name Jesus

How Did You Get It?

2011-01-14T00:33:00.005-06:00

Daniel 6:26b ...for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

Anything that you obtain through "worldly" means is TEMPORARY because it was given by prince of this world, Satan. Satan's time is limited. He has already been sentenced to hell, therefore, anything that comes from him has limits. But the gift of God is ETERNAL life! Anything that is given by God through Jesus Christ is lasting/everlasting. There is no end to His Kingdom!

There is so much happening in the world today and the enemy is trying to distract us with the smallest things so that we will not focus on Jesus Christ. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.-I Peter 4:7 I want to encourage you not to get so wrapped up in pursuing earthly things that you neglect or push the spiritual things aside. As believers NOTHING is more important than you salvation. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. -Matthew 24:13

Hold on by FAITH...

2011 Let HIM Use You....

2011-01-01T21:04:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! As we enter into a new year let's do so with a spirit of worship. Let's purpose this year to worship our God in spirit and in TRUTH (John 4:24)! When I heard, I Give Myself Away by William McDowell, I immediately said this is my anthem for 2011. I want to fully submit to the will of God in 2011. My agenda/purpose is out. I pray that others see that all they need is at the Cross. I want my life to always point others in the direction of the Cross. I am not my own I belong to Christ in Him I found NEW life!

Is Your Worship For Real?

2010-10-19T14:12:00.005-05:00

Psalm 47:7 (KJV)
7For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:15 (KJV)
15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Real praise and worship is given in response to the Truth. The Truth being the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today in a lot of churches today we can recognize a lot of “false worship”, worship that is human generated emotion mainly only in response to musical stimulation. I too love my share of good music at church but it should not be the only reason you lift or clap your hands or move your feet. We cannot give the God of the Universe and all that is in heaven and earth just “any” kind of praise. For God to receive the glory from our praise it has to come from our spirit in response to Truth. Our God is mighty and continually does great and amazing things so He is due our best praise! Let’s not get caught up or succumb to false worship but instead abide with God so that your worship can be real.

Witchcraft in the Pews

2010-10-18T21:58:00.002-05:00

Witchcraft in the Pews by George Bloomer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book really shed light on the “controlling” spirit that is permeating most churches today from the pulpit and the pews. Bloomer really exposed what the “root” of the problem is and how we can identify it as well. The text was scriptural based which supported the theories given by Bloomer. There were a few testimonials but I longed for more. The book was a quick easy and read. The text was very straight forward without much “sensationalism.” The downfall was that it was so straightforward that it lacked the “umph” that I expected when I read the title. There were also some sections that I felt were not applicable. The section on the Million Man March and the Religious Right were relevant but not for the context of this book.

Overall the book gave insight on a problem that is running rampant in most Christian churches today. We have become so inclusive that we have turned away from the fundamentals of our Christian faith. The very foundation of our faith is Jesus Christ and we cannot “mix” Him with anything or anyone else. The hidden nugget of the book was how Bloomer exposed how we as professing Christians can be harboring “accursed things” in our home unknowingly.

View all my reviews

What Happens When Women Pray

2010-10-05T00:26:00.001-05:00

What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Carol Christenson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was prompted to read this book when I heard Mrs. Christenson on the Revive Our Hearts podcast. Prayer plays a major role in my life so I was very excited to read this book. Mrs. Christenson laid out some simple yet effective ways to approach God in prayer.

The book starts out with Mrs. Christenson being petitioned by Crusade of the Americas to observe what happens when women pray for six months. Initially, they wanted to pray for their church but God impressed on them Psalm 66:18,"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." This was their conditioning period. God worked miraculously during that six month period! In this book we learn to pray on one accord, pray God's will, and the prayer method of the six S's. An important fact that she explains so beautifully is that we must pray the request and NOT the answer to God. Most of all I enjoyed the praise reports from the prayer requests and the establishment of telephone prayer chains.

I really enjoyed this book and Mrs. Christenson's approach to prayer. It has encouraged me to seek God the more in prayer and believe He will answer!

View all my reviews

Who Does Your Heart Belong To?

2010-09-16T22:43:00.005-05:00

Let's compare:

Exodus 32:5-6 (KJV)
⁵And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD.

⁶And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

AND

Psalm 51:16-17¹⁶For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

¹⁷The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

In Exodus 32:1-10, we learn that the Children of Israel grew impatient while Moses was on the mountain conversing with God. In their impatience, they asked Aaron to make then a god. Aaron asked for all their gold and made them a golden calf. They went all out for this god. They built him an altar he didn't ask for as well as sacrifices he didn't have a clue about. What is so interesting is that the sacrifices that God developed, gave them knowledge of, and that were especially and specifically for Him they made to their new god.

Now comes into play the role of a sacrifice. A sacrifice or a burnt offering is a ceremonial act of worship. A sacrifice can be given to anyone or anything. This is why God says what matters the most to Him is a broken spirit and a broken heart. Your heart can only be devoted to one person or thing. A sacrifice can be given to multiple gods. We that belong to God must worship Him in spirit and truth and with singleness of heart. If the Children of Israel's heart would have been totally devoted to the True and Living God, they would have never asked Aaron to make them a god.

Today we have erected so many gods in our lives. They may not be the golden calf type but whatever you are putting ahead of your relationship with Jesus is your modern day idol. Let's start putting God first and ask Him to establish/fix our hearts to Him.

My God Richly Bless You!

Overflow

2010-08-05T20:54:00.007-05:00

Deuteronomy 28:1-15 (KJV)

¹And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

²And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

³Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

⁴Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

⁵Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

⁶Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

⁷The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

⁸The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

⁹The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

¹⁰And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

¹¹And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

¹²The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

¹³And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

¹⁴And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

¹⁵But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

God is blessing me and you right now! I know you may saying to yourself, "What is this girl talking about?" Remember that little Biblical concept called, Now Faith (Hebrew 11:1)? Well now that you have been reminded, take it literally.

Last week I went to a revival and the Bishop spoke on the blessings mentioned in Deuteronomy 28. He said we can have ALL the blessings not just a few. To receive the blessings there is a clear and concise method, obey God. Today I got one of those blessings and it was so big that it will continually bless me! Hooray for God! I truly believe God and I do my best to obey Him. The Word of God is a sure Word! I want to leave you with two more Bible promises that you can stand on:

Isaiah 1:19 (KJV)

¹⁹If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)

²²The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Heart Relief

2010-07-21T13:10:00.008-05:00

John 14:22 (King James Version)
22Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

Jesus manifests Himself to our hearts. He first pours out His love in our hearts. The heart is deceitful and the very seat of any wickedness that may but in our lives.

Jeremiah 17:9 (King James Version)
9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

No one can know, try, or fix our heart beside Jesus Christ. Today I encourage you to pour our the issues of your heart to Him. He cares about you!

1 Peter 5:7 (King James Version)
7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

So today do what Jesus commanded:

John 14:1 (King James Version)
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Requirements

2010-07-15T13:27:00.001-05:00

"Certain things no one can do for you. And on of those is spending time with God. Listening to God is a firsthand experience."

-Max Lucado (Just Like Jesus)

R.I.P. Walter Hawkins

2010-07-12T23:34:00.005-05:00

Gospel great Walter Hawkins has passed away at age 61. Our prayers are with the family that the God of all peace my comfort them in their time of grief.

Handmade...

2010-07-08T23:50:00.004-05:00

When something is "handmade" we think uniquely crafted and one of a kind. Most handmade items have a higher price tag simply because they are not "mass produced." The object is usually fashioned with much care having delicate features. Most of all the object has the creator's signature and his/her fingerprints are all over it. I'm not talking about the literal fingerprints of the creator but attributes given to the object that are from the heart. Somewhere on the object you will catch a glimpse of the creator's heart.

Well take a look in the mirror and you will get a glimpse of your Creator's heart. Our Creator being God the only true and living God. We are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). We also are fashioned just so with our own delicate features unique to us. God thought out each of us for a specific purpose and a plan that we only can accomplish. I'm so glad that my God did not make us a bunch of mass produced clones! The next time you get the urge to compare your self to someone else or conform to some ridiculous worldly standard stop and say, "No, I'm fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). I was handmade by God Himself." That will bring those thoughts to an abrupt stop.

I want to encourage you all to seek the face of God in Jesus Christ. Ask Him to show you the purpose and direction He intended for your life when He fashioned you in your mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5). Seek Him in prayer, reading the His Word, and fasting. He wants to have this dialogue with you. Remember you are His first and foremost and He is concerned about you.

Trust God.

Branching Out...

2010-07-07T00:40:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to let you all know that I started a new "book" blog!

The Prissy Book Snob

I want to encourage you all to click over and check it out. Tell all the book lovers you know. When I get up to 25 followers there will be a book giveaway! Thanks for your support!

Spiritual Wellness

2010-07-06T01:37:00.006-05:00

The mystery of God is that through the complete work of the Cross "everyone" can be reconciled to God not just the Jews (His chosen people). The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ paid the penalty of sin and gave us access to our Father God. When Jesus went back to heaven, He did not leave us on this earth alone. Jesus sent back a Comforter, the Holy Ghost, to dwell in us to lead and guide us in all truth until His return (John 15:16-17, 26). We receive this gift of the Holy Ghost by total faith in the complete work of the Cross and asking (tarrying) for it (Acts 1:4-8). It is our "seal" on earth that we belong to Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:30). If you don't have His Spirit you are none of His (Romans 8:9). The Holy Ghost also brings gifts and bears fruit (gifts-I Corinthians 12:4-11/ fruit-Galatians 5:22-23). There are also the five ministries of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:11).

We believers that have the indwelling Spirit of God make up the Body of Christ. We are fitly joined and compacted together in unity and love with our head being Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:16). The Spirit has given each individual believer a gift(s) and a ministry(ies) for the building and edifying of the Body of Christ ( Ephesians 4:12). The "effectual" working of these gifts and ministries bring increase and strength to the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16).

Being that we are one body compacted together, we cannot allow sin to remain in the body. Sin in any member of the body will spread like a cancer and render the gifts and ministries ineffective (Ephesians 4: 25-27/5:3-5). Sin must be confessed and repented of to the "head" (Jesus Christ) immediately or the enemy will get a foot hold within the body. Sin in the Body affects every member not just the one practicing it. We are so fitted together (refer to the picture) that what one member does it "touches" the other.

In our society today we often hear the word "wellness" when it comes to taking care of our natural bodies. My insurance company encourages me to get a yearly wellness check up. Wellness simply means, being healthy and disease free and taking preventative measures to assure such. We need to start practicing "spiritual wellness" in the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ needs a Wellness check-up and line-up with the Word of God! Every believer needs to do his/her part by examining themselves by the Word of God.

This post came by way of studying Ephesians 4. I encourage each of you to read and mediate on that portion of scripture.

Trust God.

No Lack...

2010-07-02T11:57:00.008-05:00

Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Most children that are raised in Christian homes can quote the entire 23rd Psalm by the time they are 4 or 5 years old. We often make this passage of scripture so familiar that we forget to recognize its power. As I was sweeping yesterday morning, the Holy Ghost spoke this scripture in my spirit. I had prayed about a situation earlier and I know that this scripture was my answer.

Today while driving to work, the Holy Ghost laid this scripture on my heart once again with more details. Most of the time we recite this scripture it is in reference to finances or the lack thereof. The God we serve will not let us want in any area of our life. We shall not be in want when it comes to joy, peace, love, healing and even a mate for those of us that are single. When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour He provided all things in our life at that moment but we must have FAITH and believe! Our God is a great and awesome God! He is the provider of all things. He wants the best for your life and your family!

No matter what it looks like live by FAITH! If the Lord is your shepherd you shall not want!

be encouraged!

God Says...

2010-06-23T18:13:00.001-05:00

...He wants your WHOLE heart!

Well Protected

2010-05-27T15:25:00.005-05:00

Ephesians 6:13-17 (KJV)
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

The passage of scripture listed above speaks of putting on the whole armour of God. What is amazing is that the armour is God's not ours. It first belongs to Him. We did not produce any part of it. All that has to be done on our part is the "putting on." We have been protected for the fight (against the enemy) all we have to do is get dressed. Even though there is a fight, guess what? We don't have to fight. All we have to do is STAND. The battle has already been won! All we have to do is stand with our armour on! How easy is that. Our Father has already provided all that we need. WOW! He is the Almighty God!

**Another thought I received while reading, What the Bible is All About by Henrietta C. Mears.

Trust God.

Thirsty?

2010-05-20T15:46:00.005-05:00

I'm was reading about the book of I John in the amazing book, What the Bible is All About by Henrietta C. Mears. This is a book that should accompany all Christians Bible reading. While reading, I came across the best analogy:

A little Chinese girl said, "I know why Christ said, Ye are the salt of the earth. Because salt makes folks thirsty and Christians should make others thirsty for Christ."

Are you making folks thristy?

!AWAKE!

2010-05-18T14:35:00.001-05:00

Before I start this post, I would like to apologize for my lack of posting. I have no excuse I just need to do better. I want to send a big HELLO and THANK YOU to all my new followers! WOW! You all have given me the BOOST I need.

Romans 13:11-14 (KJV)
11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the amour of light.
13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

For those of us who have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour it is high time to “put Him on.” We are called to be lights in this dark world but very few of us are shining. There is a need in the Body of Christ to start “abiding” in Christ. We need to abide more in His Word, pray to Him instead of praying at Him, and fast to bring our flesh into subjection. It is time to AWAKE! We are falling asleep in our “routine” church going. It is time for our spiritual life to AWAKE and blossom into a RELATIONSHIP with Christ.

Ask you self the question, “Am I spending any alone time with Jesus?” Nowadays, we are in such a hurry to do nothing. The Word says that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith so I would think would be imperative that we get to know Him. The only way to get to know someone is by spending some “alone” time with them. We need not forsake corporate worship.

Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)-Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We need the fellowship of other believers. We need to hear the Word of God preached by a preacher who is called by God. This builds our faith. This is also encouraging to our hearts. The battlefield is our everyday life away from the church. This is why we must seek God at all times not while we are at church.

As iniquity abounds in the world we are living in it is just a confirmation that Jesus is on His way back to receive His bride, The body of Christ. Our salvation is near! We are closer to Christ’s return now that we were when we first got saved. Our King is coming! Let’s not get relaxed in our commitment to Christ. If anything draw nearer to him. Cast off the works of the flesh and the pride of this life and sell out to Christ! Do not get caught up with the cares of this world. We are becoming consumed with worldly standards instead of Biblical standards. Stop putting on the world and put on Jesus Christ! When you lean toward worldly standards and ideas you are laying provision for the flesh and for the enemy to over take your thinking and ultimately your life!

I want to encourage you all to spend more time “putting on Jesus.” Start enjoying His company and you will soon find out it is the best company.

Trust God.

You Better PRAISE HIM!!!

2010-02-18T14:06:00.008-06:00

Psalm 34 1-I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 118 24-This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today, I am full of God's peace and I'm overflowing with His joy! How GREAT is our God??!! We are in a three night revival at my church.
(It does not end until Fri 2/19 stop by if you get a chance @ North End COGIC; 5914 N State St; Jackson, MS)

Last night was the first night and I got the "spiritual boost" that I needed! It is a pleasure to serve the one and only true and living God!

Psalm 100 2-Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Where ever you are right now you ought to say, Thank You Jesus! No matter what's going on God is still good! Jesus is the "constant" in your life! He will never leave you or forsake you! Get a song in your heart and a praise in your mouth!

be encouraged...

Love Never Fails...

2010-02-13T23:37:00.005-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all my lovely readers! I hope your special someone showers you with love and a special gift. In the midst of all the commercial hoopla let us not forget that, God is Love (I John 4:8). He fundamentally loves us! It was love that made God send His only begotten Son to die on the cross for the sins of the WHOLE world. Oh, how I love Him! Today I serve the Lord with gladness! Nobody makes me serve Him. I do it on my own accord because He has been mighty good to me! Glory to His name! Today reflect on the Love of Christ....

I Corinthians 13 (KJV)

¹Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

²And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

³And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

⁴Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

⁵Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

⁶Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

⁷Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

⁸Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

⁹For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

¹⁰But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

¹¹When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

¹²For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

¹³And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

For Your Good...

2010-01-20T18:11:00.002-06:00

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must surrender to the “interruptions” He brings to our life. Let’s not view these “interruptions” as burdensome or loathsome. We should not surrender reluctantly. When your life is hid in Christ every thing works together for your good.

Romans 8:28 (King James Version)
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Initially, you may feel as if the trial/interruption has come to destroy you but know that God has already made a way of escape.

1 Peter 4:12-13 (King James Version)
12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Think on the three Hebrew boys. God suffered them to be thrown into the fiery furnace so that He could get the Glory. He already knew how He was going to deliver them. God is not clueless to your situation. He is yet the all powerful, all knowing God who made you and has not forgotten about you.

Let’s not be like the Children of Israel, mumbling and complaining, while going through the wilderness. Our response to our interruptions should be like Mary’s, the mother of Jesus, when she was told she was going to give birth to the Messiah,

Luke 1:38 (King James Version)
38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Surrender to the will of God initially and hold on to Him until the very end. The glory of the Lord will be revealed at His appointed time. Remember Job…

Be encouraged…

No Shame...

2010-01-20T16:23:00.001-06:00

Romans 1:16 (King James Version)
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

If you are walking around saying that you are a Christian/ Child of God you must not be ashamed of the Gospel. You cannot let the world “shame” you out of your salvation/faith in God. When a non-believer or someone comes along to ridicule you about being a believer the Word says,

1 Peter 3:15 (King James Version)
15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

The keywords in that scripture is “meekness and fear” our answer must be as such. There is no need to defend God because is the Great I AM that created every man and beast. His word is,

Hebrews 4:12 (King James Version)
12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

If you are witnessing or happen to be in a situation where your faith is being questioned stand on the Word of God! Give your testimony through scripture. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is what draws men and women to salvation.

Be encouraged…

The prayers of the "righteous"....

2010-01-13T01:35:00.001-06:00

Please PRAY for the people of Haiti

Pressing Foward in a New Year and Decade...

2010-01-01T02:50:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!!!

All praises due to the most High God and His Son Jesus for bringing us into a new year and a new decade! We did not keep our selves is was only by His mercy that we were not consumed! Every year I try to find a scripture to focus on for the entire year. This year the one that the Lord has laid on my heart is not only for the new year but the new decade that we are entering as well.

Philippians 3:13-14 (King James Version)

¹³Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Let's forget the past, every hindrance, obstacle, hurt, rejection, etc that has been weighing heavy on our hearts keeping us from the prize and purpose God has for us in this life. In this new year and decade let's love God with all our heart, soul, and mind! Let's try and stay "eternally" minded looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith!

Be encouraged....

Are you paying your bill?

2009-12-20T00:51:00.001-06:00

Our right standing with God is on "credit." Our credit with God was established through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour our account is established. Now you may ask, "So how do I pay my bill?" You pay your bill when you praise His name, fast, pray, read and meditate on His word, and by witnessing in His name! Let's make it a habit to pay our bill on time with a little extra because we want a good score when God pulls our credit report!

Merry Christmas!

!Fire Alarm!

2009-10-16T12:43:00.006-05:00

Daniel 3:20 (King James Version)
20And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

The story of the three Hebrew boys being thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar is familiar to most of us. As I was reading over it again today, I found a gold nugget. These young men did not simply walk in the furnace they were thrown in bound more than likely at their hands and feet. During our trials, our modern day fiery furnaces, we go in bound with dread, fear, doubt, and unbelief. We all know that God can not work in when these are present.

Mark 6:5-6 (King James Version)
5And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

In the midst of the fire there was a miracle.

Daniel 3:25 (King James Version)
25He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

During our trials and fiery tests, we too can be loosed from dread, fear, doubt, and unbelief. How can this be done? By allowing Jesus' presence into our heart, mind, and soul. Jesus is Peace that surpassed ALL understanding. He is our Joy in the time of sorrow. We must look to Him and seek Him at all times. While we are going through we must stay focused on our redeemer. If we don't allow Him in during our trials and tribulations we will be consumed by our fears and doubts which will ultimately lead to defeat.

Daniel 3:26-27 (King James Version)
26Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.
27And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

To come out of our fiery trials unscathed we must:

2 Timothy 2:3 (King James Version)
3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

You cannot let your circumstances pierce through to your spirit. Jesus can super cede your situations! Look to Jesus the author and finisher of our Faith! He is able to sustain us through the storms and fires of life! Look up and live!

Have FAITH in God!

Who will Love the Most?

2009-09-24T22:55:00.003-05:00

³⁷And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

³⁸And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

³⁹Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

⁴⁰And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

⁴¹There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

⁴²And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

⁴³Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

⁴⁴And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

⁴⁵Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

⁴⁶My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

⁴⁷Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (Luke 7:37-47, King James Version)

This passage of scripture really speaks to my heart. It shows the love of Christ and His enduring mercy. Simon, a Pharisee, welcomed Jesus into his home with a heart of stone. The woman, a sinner, welcomed Jesus with a heart of flesh or a tender heart.

The Blood of Jesus redeemed us all from the sin and shame that we put on in this world. When God cancels our debt with the Blood of Jesus we should begin to worship Him with our whole heart. Some will worship more than others like this woman. When you know that you know that nothing but the Blood of Jesus cleansed you from past lifestyles and habits you will trust Him faithfully. How soon do those that have been saved for a long period of time forget what they were cleansed from and become judgmental. Simon did not even welcome Jesus into his home. Yes, he invited Him but he did not welcome him. How many of us are really welcoming Jesus into our heart today. You go to church faithfully but you are yet so spiritually stale. Well it's high time for a revival! A revival is simply falling in love with Jesus all over again. Let Him break up the fallow ground of your heart. It is time to lay it ALL on the altar of sacrifice. It is time for a FRESH anointing! This refreshing needs to happen individually and in the entire body of Christ.

I pray that reading this passage of scripture will bring an urgency to seek a new and pure worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to your life. Take inventory of your life and admit where you are in your spiritual journey.

¹⁹Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19, King James Version)

Have FAITH in God!

Worthy is the Lamb

2009-09-22T17:01:00.002-05:00

Revelation 5:12 (King James Version)
12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

When Jesus died on the cross all of the attributes listed in the passage of above was given to him. When we call up on the name of Jesus or have a life hidden in Christ we also will be recipients of then! How great it is to worship a Savior that has so much to offer!

Have FAITH in God!

Church Zombies

2009-09-07T00:09:00.003-05:00

⁵ Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“ Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
But a body You have prepared for Me.
⁶ In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You had no pleasure.
(Hebrews 10:5-6, New King James Version)

In churches today, you probably will not see many burnt offerings or sacrifices being offered to God like the ones we read about in Old Testament scripture. We can compare those "burnt offerings and sacrifices" to "routines and traditions" that we have incorporated into our worship services today. Some of us get in the church "routine" we go every Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday night for Bible study but leave the same. It has simply become a thoughtless part of our life like brushing our teeth everyday. We cannot treat God this way.

God is looking for people He can use for is purpose and His Will, not Church Zombies. It is time to get out of routine and get into relationship! An intimate relationship with the Saviour, Jesus Christ!!! God wants a body that His Spirit can dwell in. He wants a Life that will be a testimony to His mercy, goodness, and POWER! Today make an effort to break free of mindless Church routines and traditions and totally surrender your entire being to God and let Him use you in a RADICAL way! You must cultivate this relationship by reading His Word, praying, and fasting daily. You may not be led to fast daily but praying and reading the Word of God is not optional. A relationship with Jesus is going to take more than a Sunday morning, Tuesday night, or special program to thrive.

I do feel like I need to give a disclaimer with this post. By no means am I saying that we should forsake church worship.

²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25, New King James Version)

Starting today (this very moment) give God more of your time!

Nobody's Fault

2009-08-31T00:33:00.001-05:00

!Panic Attacks!

2009-08-26T14:07:00.006-05:00

1 Samuel 13:8-11 (King James Version) 8And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.

Ref[Samuel 10:8 (King James Version) 8And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do. ]

9And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. 10And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. 11And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

consequence

1 Samuel 13:14 (King James Version) 14But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

Panic will make you err. This is what happened with King Saul (coupled with disobedience). The Philistines has gathered to attack and King Saul’s men had begun to scatter which in turn made King Saul panic and lose patience to wait on Samuel. God always shows up on time. Samuel came at the exact time King Saul was ending his unauthorized sacrifice. King Saul’s lack of patience made him lose his kingdom.

In our go, go, go society, we sometimes find it hard to wait on anything, even God. Sometimes when we pray about a situation we “get up” trying to fix it. Most of the time, we don’t even give God a chance to speak. When we have “messed up” we find ourselves back in prayer with the patience to wait because there is nothing humanly possible that we can do to fix it now. The Holy Ghost will give us the patience we need to wait on God.

Romans 5:3-5 (King James Version) 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Most of our trials and tribulations come to make us stronger and not ashamed. We must be determined to wait on God no matter the delay, the pressure, or the cost. A Godly response is better than one conceived in panic because the end of thereof is peace. Never compromise the Will of God to please others holdfast to God and wait patiently on Him.

Have FAITH in God….

Have Faith in God...

2009-08-23T19:57:00.002-05:00

"A Faith that can be destroyed by suffering is not faith."
-Richard Wurmbrand

Lord, I'm Ready To Be A Wife

2009-08-21T15:00:00.006-05:00

3 out of 5 stars

This book was pretty straight forward being geared toward single Christian women. I have read books in this genre before and they all are pretty redundant. This book was no exception. Overall it was pretty shallow with some occasional high points. It was a quick and easy read (91pgs to be exact).

My favorite chapter was Chapter 3, Wife-tudes, the Biblical examples were explained well with a modern twist that women can relate to. Pembleton's personality really comes off the pages at you. I can tell she is enthusiastic about this area of ministry. I look forward to reading more from her.

Website:
http://www.readytobeawife.com/content/book.html

?Which Way?

2009-08-04T17:05:00.004-05:00

Psalm 16:11 (King James Version)
11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Only God can show us the path to take in our lives that will bring the fullness of joy. If we follow God's direction for our life no matter the trials, tribulations or chaos, in the midst of it all, we will have unspeakable joy. We know this to be true because the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10b). To be led by God is to have a relationship with Him. We get to know God by reading His Word and meditating on it day and night. We communicate with God through prayer in Jesus name. These activities draw us closer to God so that we can hear His direction as to which turns to make and which curves to avoid. Take God at His Word. Trust Him no matter the situation.

..have FAITH in God!

A Change of Clothes

2009-07-09T16:02:00.004-05:00

Zechariah 3:1-4 (King James Version)
1And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
2And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
3Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
4And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour we do not have to wear the filthy garments of sin any more. Most mothers that have small children often have a change of clothes with them at all times. We know that children often have spills and accidents that can soil their clothes at no particular time. We as God’s children often walk around soiled spiritually. We have spills and accidents with lying, cheating, envy, malice, and sexual immorality. These can soil us at no particular time but God is always nearby with a change if clothes through the Blood of Jesus Christ. If you are soiled with sin today, why don’t you ask Jesus to hand you a change of clothes? He will. He will take your old filthy garments and cast them into the sea (Micah 7:19).

Activate your Faith!

Rise Again

2009-07-09T12:54:00.007-05:00

John 11:25 (KJV)
Jesus said unto her, I am the Resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

You must believe that Jesus, through the finished work of the Cross, can resurrect you from any dead situations in your life. Jesus came to give life and that more abundantly (John 10:10). When in sin you are basically among the walking dead but when you let the light and love of Jesus Christ enter into your heart that is when real life begins! I’m excited about what He can do!

We as being believers also need spiritual resurrections or times of refreshing in our walk with God. We may find ourselves slacking in Bible study, fasting, or praying. Ask God to resurrect these areas of your life and make them fresh and rewarding again. There maybe relationships with family members, church members, co-workers, or even friends that have taken a turn for the worse and you want God to restore. He can resurrect those relationships and make them better than before, believe on Him (John 11:26)! Every day with Jesus is better than the day before but we as believers must take the first step.

Activate your Faith today!

Separation Anxiety

2009-06-11T11:51:00.006-05:00

Judges 2:2-3 (King James Version)
2And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
3Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.

Judges 2:12-13 (King James Version)
12And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.
13And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

If we want to eat the good of the land we must be obedient to God's commandments (Isaiah 1:19). God promised the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey when He delivered them out of Egypt (Exodus 13:5, 33:3). In Leviticus 20:24, God let them know that He had "separated" them from other people. There had to be a separation when they moved into this land or else there would be consequences to suffer. Straightway, the Israelites forsook God's commandant and began to dwell among the inhabitants of the land instead of driving them out as commanded. Today we as Christians want to hold on to and accommodate the ways of non-believers. We are not to be conformed to this world's systems but when we receive Salvation there should be a renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). If we are new creatures in Christ we should take on new characteristics (II Corinthians 5:17). We should not be holding on to our old "worldly" ways. How do we expect to draw non-believers to Christ if we are acting just like them?

Judges 2:21-23 (King James Version)
21I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:
22That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.
23Therefore the LORD left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua

Instead of taking us out of the world, God is proving us to see if we will remain faithful to Him and Him only within it. Therefore we must take heed to the Word of the Lord and put a difference between clean and unclean holy and unholy (Leviticus 10:10).

...have FAITH in God!

Your Appointed Time

2009-06-09T13:04:00.008-05:00

Job 23:8-17 (King James Version)
8Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
9On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
10But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
13But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
14For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
15Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
16For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:
17Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face

Sometimes we feel as if God is not working on our behalf because we can not perceive Him or feel his presence. Job was in despair. He was in utter turmoil and he felt as if God was not mindful of him. Then Job remembered that He and God has a relationship and they were on speaking terms. Regardless, of him not being able to perceive Him or see Him he knew that God never changes (Malachi 3:6). Job was also confident in that he had always followed the statues and commandments of God (v, 11-12) and that God was faithful to those that did so. In light of this, Job knew that whatever God purposed for His life he had to go through it (v, 13-14).

We all know how Job's story ends. He was rewarded for his steadfastness. Some people say he was given double for his trouble. We can apply this passage of scripture to our daily lives. In the midst of a trial, we must stand on the promises of God. If you are walking faithfully with God and have a relationship with Him you need not to worry. God said, "When the enemy comes in like a food, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19b)." The enemy flooded in on Job took his possessions, children, and afflicted his body. But God! God is only gonna let the enemy go so far in troubling those that belong to Him. The devil is a defeated foe so nothing that he does can ever last for long. We must not faint or get weary in well doing. Through it all we must hold on to God and not rely on our emotions. You can not give in to the situation instead get more of God. Job knew the God that he served because they had a relationship. When you have a relationship with God, not just religion, you know God's character. Therefore, knowing His character you know there is no failure in Him. You know that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever more!

God allows the test or trouble to test your faithfulness. Without Faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). God knew Job's character and that he was totally devoted to him. God knows you and what you can handle. He made you! His Word says He will not put more on us than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). If the dark place you are in does not cut you off/kill you, Jesus is working on your behalf!

...have FAITH in God!

Light in this Present Darkness

2009-05-01T17:01:00.004-05:00

Psalm 119:130 (King James Version)
130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

The Word of God will shed light on any area of our life that we need direction or where there may be some type of darkness. Sometimes we are fumbling around or walking around in circles in this life when we can have freedom through the power of a living Saviour, Jesus Christ!. The Word of God is truth. Most won't acknowledge it as such, therefore, remaining lost in this present world.

This scripture also confirms that your intellect does not matter. God gives understanding and wisdom. No matter how much knowledge you heap to yourself it is null and void with out the power of God.

..have FAITH in God!

Lights, Camera, ACTION!

2009-04-21T16:55:00.002-05:00

1 Peter 4:12-14
12-Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13-But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14-If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

As Christians, some of us have the mindset that when we come into the knowledge of Christ that our life will be “smooth sailing.” Having this mindset allows distress to enter when trials and tribulations come up on us. If Christ suffered and you say you are believe in Him, I am only sure that you will have to endure some suffering.

We need to view our trials and tribulations as the enemy setting the stage for God to show His glory and triumphant power. The enemy is thinking that he is scarring us or smearing the name of God (verse 14) when he sets these traps. What the enemy meant for bad God will turn it around for our good and a testimony of his enduring love and faithfulness (Genesis 50:20). Now when you find yourself in the midst of a trial, rejoice (verse 13)! Remember Jesus is the author and finisher of your FAITH (Hebrews 12:2). He is at the beginning of it and He will be at the end of it if you allow Him to be.

Love Never Fails

2009-03-20T12:47:00.001-05:00

John 15:13 (King James Version)
13-Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

There is no greater love than the love God gives us. No one can love you like God does. He sent His son, JESUS, to give His life as a ransom for ours so that we would not enter into eternal damnation. Better yet nothing can separate us from His love!

Romans 8:38-39 (King James Version)
38-For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39-Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The love of people can be failing and it can also cease at some point (e.g. death, etc.) but God’s love will never end, it’s enduring, and it doesn’t count up our faults. He loves us unconditionally. He loved you enough to bring you into the world so I am only sure He wants you to be a living testimony of his goodness! Trust Him and Him only with your life today….

…have FAITH in God!

Money, Money, Money

2009-01-19T23:12:00.002-06:00

I Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Through this global economic crisis God has gotten to the root of the evil. He has shaken us at our very core to see how we will respond. We should respond in this way:

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

If we happen to turn and seek more self indulgent materialism He will respond with righteous judgment.

...have Faith in God!

The Intersections of Life

2009-01-08T12:03:00.001-06:00

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not

When a new year begins we tend to want a new direction or just simply a new start. The only clear direction comes from God. If you take it upon yourself and try to move in your own strength there is failure and disappointment sure to come. We must learn to enquire of the Lord for His purpose for our lives.

Enquire; have a wish or desire to know something

You enquire of the Lord by going to him in prayer then wait on His answer. Soon you will see doors opening for you and ways being made that only He could make. Stop trying to operate in your Will and let the Will of God for your life come to pass.

…have Faith in God!

Jehovah Nissi (The Lord our Banner)

2009-01-07T17:22:00.001-06:00

Exodus 17:8-15 (KJV)
8-Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
9-And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
10-So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11-And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
12-But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
13-And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
14-And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
15-And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

In relation to our life battles today, we must keep our hands and hearts lifted up to God and we will be victorious. The more we keep our hands lifted up the more we will keep them out of the situation. Like Moses when we get tired and our hands start going down (to try and fix the situation) we begin to lose the battle. Hands lifted up to God means you surrender all to Him giving Him full authority over the situation. When Moses's arms got tired he had Aaron and Hur to help him hold them up but today we have Jesus to give us the strength we need to keep our hands lifted up, trust Him!

…have Faith in God!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2009-01-01T23:30:00.006-06:00

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

This is one of my foundational scriptures for 2009. On New Year's Eve we start formulating all of our New Year's resolutions and trying to put the New Year into prospective. We don't know what lies ahead in the next second less alone the next year but God does. We must seek Him first and He will lead and guide us through what lies ahead. When we operate in our own strength we normally give up after a few months (maybe weeks in the case of diets and gym routines). In 2009 allow God to maneuver you through the obstacles.

Last night I went to Watch Night service at my church which brings us to my second foundational scripture of 2009:

Revelation 3:8
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

God knows what you have done, what you are doing, and what you will do and He is going to reward you according to your works. If you have been faithful to Him and His Word there is an open door set before you in 2009 and everyday of your life. It takes faith to walk through this door because unbelief cripples you. According to this scripture no man can shut this door so it stays open until you walk in. In 2009 take God at His Word and walk through the open door He has sat before you into eternal abundant life!

....have Faith in God in 2009!

A Merciful God...

2008-12-31T14:02:00.002-06:00

Job 4:17 (Today's New International Version)
'Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can human beings be more pure than their Maker?

We want God to pull the cover off of people's evil deeds immediately and loose His wrath upon them as soon as they commit an evil deed toward us. Least we forget that God is Love! The nature of God is patience and longsuffering. When we find ourselves wanting God to retaliate on our behalf, let's remember His love, patience, MERCY, and longsuffering towards us.

...have Faith in God!

No More Excuses!

2008-12-24T10:49:00.003-06:00

Luke 24:45
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

So many people including many Christians say that the Bible is so hard for them to understand, therefore, they don't read it or they read very little of it. Some people's understanding weighs on what the preacher says and that's it. This scripture today let's us know that Jesus will open our understanding to His Word. It's simple just ask Him. He tells us in Proverbs (4:7b), "and with all thy getting get understanding." In this modern age there is no excuse for not reading and understanding God's Word because there are numerous modern translations of the Bible. Blow the dust off that Bible and get you a Word from the Lord!

....have Faith in God!

Come Let Us Adore Him!

2008-12-22T20:58:00.002-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Praise God the Saviour was born and He is JESUS!

Numbers 6:24-26(KJV)

24-The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

25-The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

26-The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

During this holiday season I pray the scriptures above are true in your lives. Let the JOY that came to the world, JESUS, bless your very soul allow Him into your heart today. Rejoice in the God of your salvation and don't get stressed about material things and trying to please others with gifts etc. Focus on pleasing God and rest in His promises to you! He is a God that can be trusted! Try Him out you won't be sorry.

...have Faith in God!

Cardio Workout

2008-12-01T23:32:00.004-06:00

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

I pray that all is well with everyone that reads this post and that your Holidays are blessed! The Word of God is the foundation of your salvation. Most Christians become relaxed when it comes to reading the Bible. Some of the excuses I have heard (and have used) is it makes me sleepy, I don't have time, and it's hard too hard to read. All the enemy wants to do is distract you from spending time building your relationship with God. Satan knows that the Word of God is quick/living and builds your Faith in God through Jesus Christ. Most often people neglect reading the Word of God is because it will expose the depths and intents of your heart to you. We hate to confront our hidden faults such as bitterness, anger, maliciousness, etc. Not only does the Word expose these areas of our life and heart but it offers a solution....Jesus Christ! Make time to spend with God and in His Word...you won't be sorry!

Stinking Flies!

2008-11-10T22:02:00.004-06:00

Ecclesiastes 10:1
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

cross reference

Psalm 38:5
My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

Satan will try and contaminate the ointment/anointing of your life with dead flies. Some dead flies that may be buzzing around you are:

-uncontrolled emotions
-hypocrisy
-bitterness
-contempt for authority
-resentment
-gossip

Kill these flies and walk in the anointing God has put on your life!!

..have FAITH in GOD!

God is the Judge...

2008-11-04T22:21:00.000-06:00

Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

God Bless Barack Obama!

Are You Missing Out?

2008-11-03T23:13:00.005-06:00

Jeremiah 5:25
Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.

God says that sin stinks in His nostrils. I once heard it put as it smells like raw sewage in His nostrils. God loves us and it's His "good pleasure" to bless us but He can't bless no mess. God can't go against His Word. If sin stinks in His nostrils you can't come before Him with it on/in you. Today ask Jesus to wash away and forgive all your sins so that you can live the life and receive the blessings God has ordained for you.

...have FAITH in God!

Vote 4 Change

2008-11-03T23:07:00.003-06:00

Vote. Please don't let anything or anyone discourage or distract you from voting on tomorrow. I trust that God's will-will be done. Let's us also be in prayer for Senator Obama's family in their time of loss.

Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Civil Disobedience?

2008-11-01T12:31:00.002-05:00

Exodus 1:15-21

15-And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:

16-And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.

17-But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

18-And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?

19-And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.

20Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.

21-And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.

This passage of scripture is one of those golden nuggets that we find so often in the Old Testament. Here the midwives displayed more FAITH and DEVOTION to God rather than man. When confronted by Pharaoh for their disobedience they used Godly wisdom. They compared the Hebrew women to the Egyptian women stating the the Hebrew women were more lively giving birth prior to the midwives arriving. God will give you wisdom on the spot through the power of the Holy Ghost! God blessed these midwives with families because of their obedience. If you obey God and yield to His will even when it is not the popular thing to do your reward will be great!

Just a Thought

2008-11-01T12:13:00.002-05:00

I heard an awesome testimony this morning while listening to AFR that left a lasting impression on me. The testimony overall was about a woman named Lisa adopting three orphans from Liberia. She made the statement, "If I was stripped of everything family, finances, home, car, etc just everything would Jesus be enough. Yes, Jesus would be enough but would the RELATIONSHIP that I have with Him be enough?"
All I can say is that it was enough for Job and he lost everything. Jesus is more than enough! He is our all and all! Let's trust Him and His word and that ONLY! Today the question is, Is your relationship with God enough? If not build one. He is always near but we are the ones that tend to stand afar off from Him. If you draw nigh to God He will draw nigh to you.

James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

...have FAITH in God!

Thoughts on Fasting....

2008-10-30T22:36:00.003-05:00

Matthew 17:21
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

As Jesus taught, somethings only come through or leave by prayer AND fasting. I just wanted to share a few encouraging thoughts on fasting.

Fasting breaks you out of the world's routine
Fasting brings on a spiritual renewal
When you are led by the Holy Spirit to fast it is preparing and strengthening you for something that lies ahead
When you fast you are curbing your appetite from natural food but God is also curbing your desire for things of the flesh
Fasting allows the Holy Spirit to dig up things in your flesh that need to be removed

A few Fasting tips....

Pray and read your Bible continually during your fast these are your meals
Talk less as you possibly can. During your fast your spirit is sensitive to the Holy Spirit (what you want the most) but it is also sensitive to other evil spirits
Fast from the TV, computer, and any other natural thing your flesh normally desires
Fast according to what best suits you not anyone else. Remember God already knows your heart and motives.
Most of all prepare to receive from the Lord!!!

There is so much that can be said on this subject but I just wanted to share a few to simply encourage you to fast it will such a spiritual blessing for you! A very encouraging book that explained the concept of fasting for me was, Fasting by Jentezen Franklin, check it out!

...have FAITH in God!

2008-10-29T23:13:00.000-05:00

Galations 2:18
18-For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
(reference)
Proverbs 13:15
15-Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

When God has delivered you from a thing don't build it back up again. Going back to that thing is easy because that is the familiar. Instead trust God to keep you through the Holy Spirit. If you do find yourself slipping back into that old way you will soon find that the way of transgression is hard. Hard in the sense that you will always be looking around and over your shoulder. Always thinking and wondering who sees me? I wonder will someone be here that I know?

Peace & Blessings

2008-10-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

*waves* Hi All!!
It feels good to be starting this new blog! I am not new to blogging but this blog is a new direction for me. It is just a place where you can get a little pick me up with some inspiration from God's Word to brighten your day, life, moment, etc.This is also place where the Love of God and Peace of Jesus Christ will be promoted.