So often we pray for this & we pray for that but someone asked a question...
Are your prayers waiting for your praise to catch up?
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), WITH THANKSGIVING, continue to make your wants known to God. Philipians 4:6
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying]WITH THANKSGIVING. Colossians 4:2
Your praise defeats the enemy. It cancels out worry- Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything. Be earnest and unwearied. When you praise Him you acknowledge who He is. You acknowledge that He is Jehovah Rapha- My Healer. Jehovah Jireh- My Provider. El Elyon- The Most High God. Jehovah Rohi- My Shepard. He is I AM!
Who is God to you? What has He done for you? Just what is it that He has bought you out of? Hasn't He always been faithful to you? Are you not worth much more than the birds in the air? Has he not given you authority to tread on serpents & scorpions, & over all the power of the enemy, & promised you that nothing will injure you?
When you pray His word to Him whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. When you praise Him you are coming in to agreement with who He is. You are saying the great Amen. God's Yes & your Yes together. When you praise Him you're saying God I trust you. God I believe you. God I want you. Glory to Your name God, I bless Your name God because it's already done.
What you tell me to do, I'll do. What you tell me to say, I'll say. What you tell me to give, I'll give. 'Cause I've never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread. 'Cause I know that He does't always give me what I want but He gives me what I need. Cause I know it might not come when I want but it's always on time!
I promise you that if you would just Bless Him. If you would just Praise Him, you'll forget all about what you came to ask Him for. If you would just worship & thank Him for what He's already done He will do exceedingly & abundantly more than you could ever think to ask Him for. Praise Him Saints. Your mouth is your greatest weapon. You have the power to speak life or death so speak. Speak those things the are not as though they were. Give Him your right now praise. Praise Him cause He is the Great I Am!
When Paul & Silas were chained in the jail they didn't pray. They didn't go through the trouble to tell God what He already knew. They worshipped Him! They blessed Him in song. In praise. They didn't worry. They didn't fret. So what's stopping you from praising God? The chains didn't stop them. It didn't discourage them. It was their praise that caused God to move. Their praise that prompted the earthquake that broke their chains. They weren't affected by the prison they were in. So what's keeping you chained down & in prison? I dare you to praise Him. Praise God who is bigger, stronger, & greater than your situation. Create an atmosphere for God by your praise. Give Him the highest praise. Give Him your most defensive praise. Give Him all your praise cause He is worthy of it ALL!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Praise Your Way Through
"After beating them black and blue, they threw them into jail, telling the jailkeeper to put them under heavy guard so there would be no chance of escape. He did just that-threw them into the maximum security cell in the jail and clamped leg irons on them." Acts 16:23-24 MSG
Have you ever felt like that? Do you feel like that? Like, it's not enough that you've been beaten black & blue but now you're locked up under maximum security with your legs chained down by iron clamps...
So when you feel like this what do you do?Do you cry, kick, sceam? Do you say woe is me... Let's look at what Paul & Silas did-
"Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose." Acts 16:25-26 MSG
So often we hear that our breakthrough depends on our praise & here in the scripture we know that to be true. See, Paul & Silas knew that God was Greater, Bigger, & Stronger than their circumstance! Paul & Silas knew what Job knew that,"though they slay me, yet will I trust Him! That even though they talk about me, I'm still going to trust Him. Even in the fiery furnace, I'm still going to trust Him. They lied on me but I'm still going to trust Him. Turned their backs on me but I'm still going to trust Him.
God knows the end result. He Authored it. So I'm going to sing. I'm going to shout. I'm going to dance. I'm going to Praise. Paul & Silas didn't wait for the earthquake to Praise God & see their shackles be broken. They didn't wait for God to bring them out, they Praised Him while they were yet in their prison cell. It was their Praise that caused the earthquake (it caused God to move on their behalf) & their shackles were broken. Their Praise unlocked the iron clamps. What are you doing in your prison cell? You see-
"Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly]. If you are censured and suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ, blessed [are you--happy, fortunate, to be envied, with life-joy, and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition], because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name. 1 Peter 4:12-14, 16 AMP
The devil is not in hot pursuit of you for no reason. He comes to steal, kill, & destroy. He wants that gift you have. He doesn't want to see it manifest. He's come to rob you of your destiny and purpose. He's come to keep you down & knock you off of your feet so you've got to be on your guard, standing firm in the faith. You've got to be courageous & strong in the Lord. They talked about Jesus. They betrayed even Him. God has made provision. He's provided a way of escape.
"but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken." 2 Cor 4:9
So shout & sing! Let Jehovah's Praises ring! Loose yourself. He has not given you a spirit of fear but of love, power, & a sound mind! Praise Him
Have you ever felt like that? Do you feel like that? Like, it's not enough that you've been beaten black & blue but now you're locked up under maximum security with your legs chained down by iron clamps...
So when you feel like this what do you do?Do you cry, kick, sceam? Do you say woe is me... Let's look at what Paul & Silas did-
"Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose." Acts 16:25-26 MSG
So often we hear that our breakthrough depends on our praise & here in the scripture we know that to be true. See, Paul & Silas knew that God was Greater, Bigger, & Stronger than their circumstance! Paul & Silas knew what Job knew that,"though they slay me, yet will I trust Him! That even though they talk about me, I'm still going to trust Him. Even in the fiery furnace, I'm still going to trust Him. They lied on me but I'm still going to trust Him. Turned their backs on me but I'm still going to trust Him.
God knows the end result. He Authored it. So I'm going to sing. I'm going to shout. I'm going to dance. I'm going to Praise. Paul & Silas didn't wait for the earthquake to Praise God & see their shackles be broken. They didn't wait for God to bring them out, they Praised Him while they were yet in their prison cell. It was their Praise that caused the earthquake (it caused God to move on their behalf) & their shackles were broken. Their Praise unlocked the iron clamps. What are you doing in your prison cell? You see-
"Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly]. If you are censured and suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ, blessed [are you--happy, fortunate, to be envied, with life-joy, and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition], because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name. 1 Peter 4:12-14, 16 AMP
The devil is not in hot pursuit of you for no reason. He comes to steal, kill, & destroy. He wants that gift you have. He doesn't want to see it manifest. He's come to rob you of your destiny and purpose. He's come to keep you down & knock you off of your feet so you've got to be on your guard, standing firm in the faith. You've got to be courageous & strong in the Lord. They talked about Jesus. They betrayed even Him. God has made provision. He's provided a way of escape.
"but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken." 2 Cor 4:9
So shout & sing! Let Jehovah's Praises ring! Loose yourself. He has not given you a spirit of fear but of love, power, & a sound mind! Praise Him
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Push...
I've been thinking a lot about childbirth for a few weeks now but in a Spiritual sense-
Some of us are in pre mature labor. You're saying "God I can't take it anymore... I just want it to be over... I don't even know why I bother anymore..." But baby just hold on. It's not time yet. You've got to stay the course & stay in the oven just a little while longer...
"But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect & entire, wanting nothing." James 1:4
Some of you are experiencing false labor. The pain that you're feeling is just Braxton Hicks contractions. You are showing signs of being in labor when they are really just early signs that the process has begun.
"These trials will show that your faith is genuwine. It is being testd as fire tests & purifies gold- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise & glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7
Some of you are ready. You're fully effaced. Fully dilated. I want to encourage you that whatecer it is that you are going through in this season- It's time to push!
When your friends & family turn their backs on you... PUSH!
When the people you thought were going to be around forever are no where to be found... PUSH!
When your money runs out... PUSH!
When your bills are due... PUSH!
God I just lost my job... PUSH!
Now is not the time to give up. I know sometimes the pain is unbearable but PUSH! I know you tired of being tired but PUSH!
"Christ's POWER is made perfect in our weakness" 2 Cor 12:9
When I can't see my way through Lord I'm going to PUSH! They said I wasn't going to make it, Lord I'm going to PUSH! They said I'd never amount to anything, LORD I'm going to PUSH! They said I'd be just like my mother, just like my Father but Lord I'm going to PUSH!
Satan, I ain't got nothing left to lose. I ain't scared! You can't punk my Faith ( borrowed from Co Pastor T)! For God I live & for God I die! I'm coming OUT! I can see what's ahead. A land flowing with milk & honey Hallelujah! I can already taste the VICTORY...I'm coming OUT!
"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. Phillipians 1:6
Child of God... It's already done! Count it all Joy because what the devil meant for bad, God worked it out for your GOOD! Isn't He a Good God. Hasn't He always been faithful! Yes He has!
Some of us are in pre mature labor. You're saying "God I can't take it anymore... I just want it to be over... I don't even know why I bother anymore..." But baby just hold on. It's not time yet. You've got to stay the course & stay in the oven just a little while longer...
"But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect & entire, wanting nothing." James 1:4
Some of you are experiencing false labor. The pain that you're feeling is just Braxton Hicks contractions. You are showing signs of being in labor when they are really just early signs that the process has begun.
"These trials will show that your faith is genuwine. It is being testd as fire tests & purifies gold- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise & glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7
Some of you are ready. You're fully effaced. Fully dilated. I want to encourage you that whatecer it is that you are going through in this season- It's time to push!
When your friends & family turn their backs on you... PUSH!
When the people you thought were going to be around forever are no where to be found... PUSH!
When your money runs out... PUSH!
When your bills are due... PUSH!
God I just lost my job... PUSH!
Now is not the time to give up. I know sometimes the pain is unbearable but PUSH! I know you tired of being tired but PUSH!
"Christ's POWER is made perfect in our weakness" 2 Cor 12:9
When I can't see my way through Lord I'm going to PUSH! They said I wasn't going to make it, Lord I'm going to PUSH! They said I'd never amount to anything, LORD I'm going to PUSH! They said I'd be just like my mother, just like my Father but Lord I'm going to PUSH!
Satan, I ain't got nothing left to lose. I ain't scared! You can't punk my Faith ( borrowed from Co Pastor T)! For God I live & for God I die! I'm coming OUT! I can see what's ahead. A land flowing with milk & honey Hallelujah! I can already taste the VICTORY...I'm coming OUT!
"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. Phillipians 1:6
Child of God... It's already done! Count it all Joy because what the devil meant for bad, God worked it out for your GOOD! Isn't He a Good God. Hasn't He always been faithful! Yes He has!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Attitude Check...
Have you ever felt like the whole world is against you? Like it's me against the world? Like it's one thing after another after another? That I've prayed & prayed & prayed... God when will my time come? When will it all be over? Do you feel like the energizer bunny... Do you keep going & going & going... & you ask, "when is it going to be MY TIME..."
"One day, as Isaac's servants were digging in the valley, they came on a well of spring water. The shepherds of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's shepherds, claiming, "This water is ours." So Isaac named the well Esek (Quarrel) because they quarreled over it. They dug another well and there was a difference over that one also, so he named it Sitnah (Accusation). He went on from there and dug yet another well. But there was no fighting over this one so he named it Rehoboth (Wide-Open Spaces), saying, "Now God has given us plenty of space to spread out in the land." From there he went up to Beersheba.
Has He made you any promises?
"That very night God appeared to him and said, I am the God of Abraham your father; don't fear a thing because I'm with you. I'll bless you and make your children flourish because of Abraham my servant. Isaac built an altar there and prayed, calling on God by name. He pitched his tent and his servants started digging another well.
Are you confused yet?
"Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his advisor and Phicol the head of his troops. Isaac asked them, "Why did you come to me? You hate me; you threw me out of your country." They said, "We've realized that God is on your side. We'd like to make a deal between us-a covenant that we maintain friendly relations. We haven't bothered you in the past; we treated you kindly and let you leave us in peace. So-God's blessing be with you!"
Are you still just ging through the motions?
"Isaac laid out a feast and they ate and drank together. Early in the morning they exchanged oaths. Then Isaac said good-bye and they parted as friends.
Has your Praise caught up with your prayers?
"Later that same day, Isaac's servants came to him with news about the well they had been digging, "We've struck water!" Genesis 26:19-32 MSG
Your attitude is the determing factor. The old folks in the church used to say, "Hallelujah anyhow!" Job said, "though they slay me, yet will I trust Him!"
Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. So while he's walking you should be running. You should be shouting. You should be dancing. You should be praising because your praise will confuse the enemy!
The devil doesn't have any new tricks.They dug three times, each time they were met with opposition. Some one challenged them. Someone took what was theirs. But see, that was just the counterfeit because after Isaac praised Him, after He built an altar, when they dug the fourth time...My God!
He will make your enemies at peace with you! He will open doors that no man can shut & He will shut doors that no man can open. Isaac was not deterred by the enemies tactics. He kept moving, he kept digging. He didn't fuss, he didn't fight.
Your attitude allows access & when you give God access to work out your sitation & to fix your problem He will do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can either ask or think!
He will not just restore you but He will put you higher cause He is not a God that decreases but INCREASES! He MULTIPLIES!
So thank Him. Thank Him for what He's already done. Thank Him for what He's doing & thank Him for what He's about to do because it's already done. He knows the end result! He Authored it! If you have been faithful... over a few things... He will make you ruler over many! Now give God your right now praise!
I'm going to activate my faith, I'm going to keep pushing, keep pressing cause He's propeling me to my purpose & destiny. I'm suited up in the whole armor of God. I am redeemed. I'm going to forgive. I am forgiven. I'm going to remain Godtamistic. I'm going to get in my word. I'm going to stand on His promise. I believe I'll run on. Me...Yes me!!!
"One day, as Isaac's servants were digging in the valley, they came on a well of spring water. The shepherds of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's shepherds, claiming, "This water is ours." So Isaac named the well Esek (Quarrel) because they quarreled over it. They dug another well and there was a difference over that one also, so he named it Sitnah (Accusation). He went on from there and dug yet another well. But there was no fighting over this one so he named it Rehoboth (Wide-Open Spaces), saying, "Now God has given us plenty of space to spread out in the land." From there he went up to Beersheba.
Has He made you any promises?
"That very night God appeared to him and said, I am the God of Abraham your father; don't fear a thing because I'm with you. I'll bless you and make your children flourish because of Abraham my servant. Isaac built an altar there and prayed, calling on God by name. He pitched his tent and his servants started digging another well.
Are you confused yet?
"Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his advisor and Phicol the head of his troops. Isaac asked them, "Why did you come to me? You hate me; you threw me out of your country." They said, "We've realized that God is on your side. We'd like to make a deal between us-a covenant that we maintain friendly relations. We haven't bothered you in the past; we treated you kindly and let you leave us in peace. So-God's blessing be with you!"
Are you still just ging through the motions?
"Isaac laid out a feast and they ate and drank together. Early in the morning they exchanged oaths. Then Isaac said good-bye and they parted as friends.
Has your Praise caught up with your prayers?
"Later that same day, Isaac's servants came to him with news about the well they had been digging, "We've struck water!" Genesis 26:19-32 MSG
Your attitude is the determing factor. The old folks in the church used to say, "Hallelujah anyhow!" Job said, "though they slay me, yet will I trust Him!"
Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. So while he's walking you should be running. You should be shouting. You should be dancing. You should be praising because your praise will confuse the enemy!
The devil doesn't have any new tricks.They dug three times, each time they were met with opposition. Some one challenged them. Someone took what was theirs. But see, that was just the counterfeit because after Isaac praised Him, after He built an altar, when they dug the fourth time...My God!
He will make your enemies at peace with you! He will open doors that no man can shut & He will shut doors that no man can open. Isaac was not deterred by the enemies tactics. He kept moving, he kept digging. He didn't fuss, he didn't fight.
Your attitude allows access & when you give God access to work out your sitation & to fix your problem He will do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can either ask or think!
He will not just restore you but He will put you higher cause He is not a God that decreases but INCREASES! He MULTIPLIES!
So thank Him. Thank Him for what He's already done. Thank Him for what He's doing & thank Him for what He's about to do because it's already done. He knows the end result! He Authored it! If you have been faithful... over a few things... He will make you ruler over many! Now give God your right now praise!
I'm going to activate my faith, I'm going to keep pushing, keep pressing cause He's propeling me to my purpose & destiny. I'm suited up in the whole armor of God. I am redeemed. I'm going to forgive. I am forgiven. I'm going to remain Godtamistic. I'm going to get in my word. I'm going to stand on His promise. I believe I'll run on. Me...Yes me!!!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Who Me...
Yes you! You in the mirror! If you have accepted Christ as your personal Lord & Savior & you believe that Christ died for our sins & on the third day He rose with all power you are saved.
Strip yourselves of your former nature (put off & discard your old unrenewed self) which characterized your previous maner of life & becomes corrupt through lusts & desires that spring from delusion;& be constantly renewed in the sprit of your mind (having a fresh mantal and spiritual attitude), & put on the new nature (the rengenerate self) created in God's image, (Godlike) in true righteousness & holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
God is not speaking of your outward man but your inward man. Your Spirit Man. You are still going to look the same on the outside but God deals with the heart of the matter. Then what is on the inside of you will manifest itself on the outside.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, & renew a right, preserving, and steadfast spirit within me. Pslam 51:10
Since He is a God that does exceedingly & abundantly don't just ask Him for a clean heart, ask him to give you a new heart! You see because if you continue to do the same things from the old heart you will get the same results. So if you find yourself constantly doing repeats, I dare you to ask Him for a new heart!
But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the (Holy) Spirit (responsive to and contolled and guided by the Spirit); then you will certainly not gratify the cravings & desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). Galatians 5:16
Sometimes we say, "as soon as I get my life together..." No, the scripture is clear- if we walk in the Spirit we will conquer the flesh. Not conquer the flesh to walk in the Spirit. Or, you might think,"who am I Lord that you would use me? I'm not this & I'm not that... I've done this & I've done that..."
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
God is not concerned about all of that. He has already forgiven you for that. He wasn't concerned about Moses who wasn't eloquent, Esther who was an orphan, or Rahab who was a prostitute.
"Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, & being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbles himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Phil 2:5-8.
Even Jesus Himself went as a servant. God uses the least to accomplish the most extraordinary things.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
God knew you while you were in your mother's womb. He created you. He knows what you've done, how many times you'd do it, when you'd do it, when you'd do it, where you'd do it.
"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God- those he has called according to His plan. Romans 8:28
Are you the called or the chosen?
"For many are called, but few are chosen Matthew 22:14
When Christ rose on the third day He rose with ALL POWER & because we are children of God we have that same power. Everyone is called. To be chosen we have to use that God given power to respond to our purpose.
Strip yourselves of your former nature (put off & discard your old unrenewed self) which characterized your previous maner of life & becomes corrupt through lusts & desires that spring from delusion;& be constantly renewed in the sprit of your mind (having a fresh mantal and spiritual attitude), & put on the new nature (the rengenerate self) created in God's image, (Godlike) in true righteousness & holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
God is not speaking of your outward man but your inward man. Your Spirit Man. You are still going to look the same on the outside but God deals with the heart of the matter. Then what is on the inside of you will manifest itself on the outside.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, & renew a right, preserving, and steadfast spirit within me. Pslam 51:10
Since He is a God that does exceedingly & abundantly don't just ask Him for a clean heart, ask him to give you a new heart! You see because if you continue to do the same things from the old heart you will get the same results. So if you find yourself constantly doing repeats, I dare you to ask Him for a new heart!
But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the (Holy) Spirit (responsive to and contolled and guided by the Spirit); then you will certainly not gratify the cravings & desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). Galatians 5:16
Sometimes we say, "as soon as I get my life together..." No, the scripture is clear- if we walk in the Spirit we will conquer the flesh. Not conquer the flesh to walk in the Spirit. Or, you might think,"who am I Lord that you would use me? I'm not this & I'm not that... I've done this & I've done that..."
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
God is not concerned about all of that. He has already forgiven you for that. He wasn't concerned about Moses who wasn't eloquent, Esther who was an orphan, or Rahab who was a prostitute.
"Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, & being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbles himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Phil 2:5-8.
Even Jesus Himself went as a servant. God uses the least to accomplish the most extraordinary things.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
God knew you while you were in your mother's womb. He created you. He knows what you've done, how many times you'd do it, when you'd do it, when you'd do it, where you'd do it.
"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God- those he has called according to His plan. Romans 8:28
Are you the called or the chosen?
"For many are called, but few are chosen Matthew 22:14
When Christ rose on the third day He rose with ALL POWER & because we are children of God we have that same power. Everyone is called. To be chosen we have to use that God given power to respond to our purpose.
Friday, August 12, 2011
I Believe I'll Run On...
I remember my mother telling me some time ago that, "The counterfeit always comes before the Real Thing!" I hadn't really thought about it again until someone spoke an on time Word over me yesterday & what the Lord ministered to me was this...
"Before your blessing something will always come to knock you off course but if you just stay the path before you, rest assured that your blessing is on its way!" (I'm dancing like David danced now LOL)!
The song My Soul Is Anchored In The Lord has been steady on my heart since Sunday & this morning I woke up with a revelation... I WIN!
But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the [a]giddiness and headache and [b]nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the [c]business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose;
The old folks used to say, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks," (smacking my lips), Child of God I'm here to tell you that, "the devil doesn't have any new tricks!"
So what are you worrying about? What are you crying about? Just what is it that you think that you have lost? Can I tell you that looking back over my life, I ain't never, (you hear me never), lost anything that belonged to me! What God has for me it is for me & only me. That those things that I thought I've lost was just the counterfeit!
Let me personalize this for you cause some of you'all too religious for me...Sometimes God had to take those things away from me because I allowed them to become distractions-
"...your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour 1Peter 5:8
God is a jealous God! He didn't put me here to run behind Hank, He didn't put me here so that I can, "do me," He placed me here because He has a purpose & a calling on my life & it's time out for the team of me in the Kingdom of God!
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
Sometimes decisions had to be made by someone else because if it were left up to me I wouldn't do it. Sometimes God had to leave that road block up & He didn't remove some things right away because I just wasn't ready.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
God knows the end result! He is the Author & Finisher of your faith!
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Now Faith... Not in a couple days, not in time, not when you feelin' a little better...NOW! What are you believing God for because if you believe it you shall recieve it! It will be done accoding to your faith. Not your mama's faith, not your daddy's faith...YOUR faith!
Because I'm a chilld of The Most High, because you're a child of The Most High, the devil has no authority over you! You know how you used to run your mouth in the world, how you was that bad chick... Turn right around stick your pointer finger on the devil's forehead & tell him that you ain't scared! Tell Him that NO weapon formed against you shall prosper! Then do it again & tell him that by His stripes you ARE healed! Do it again & tell him that like a tree that's planted by the water I SHALL NOT be moved! Do it again & say that if God be for me, He's more than the whole world against me! Do it again & tell him he Can't have your son, he Can't have your daughter! Do it again & tell him that as for me & my house we SHALL serve the Lord! Do it again & tell him I WIN! I WIN! I WIN! I WIN! Now open up the nearest door & kick his tired behind OUT!
I believe I'll run on! I believe I'll run on! I believe I run on! I'm going to keeping pressing to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. For the race is not given to the swift but to those who endure till the end & baby God ain't through with me yet!
"Before your blessing something will always come to knock you off course but if you just stay the path before you, rest assured that your blessing is on its way!" (I'm dancing like David danced now LOL)!
The song My Soul Is Anchored In The Lord has been steady on my heart since Sunday & this morning I woke up with a revelation... I WIN!
But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the [a]giddiness and headache and [b]nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the [c]business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose;
The old folks used to say, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks," (smacking my lips), Child of God I'm here to tell you that, "the devil doesn't have any new tricks!"
So what are you worrying about? What are you crying about? Just what is it that you think that you have lost? Can I tell you that looking back over my life, I ain't never, (you hear me never), lost anything that belonged to me! What God has for me it is for me & only me. That those things that I thought I've lost was just the counterfeit!
Let me personalize this for you cause some of you'all too religious for me...Sometimes God had to take those things away from me because I allowed them to become distractions-
"...your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour 1Peter 5:8
God is a jealous God! He didn't put me here to run behind Hank, He didn't put me here so that I can, "do me," He placed me here because He has a purpose & a calling on my life & it's time out for the team of me in the Kingdom of God!
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
Sometimes decisions had to be made by someone else because if it were left up to me I wouldn't do it. Sometimes God had to leave that road block up & He didn't remove some things right away because I just wasn't ready.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
God knows the end result! He is the Author & Finisher of your faith!
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Now Faith... Not in a couple days, not in time, not when you feelin' a little better...NOW! What are you believing God for because if you believe it you shall recieve it! It will be done accoding to your faith. Not your mama's faith, not your daddy's faith...YOUR faith!
Because I'm a chilld of The Most High, because you're a child of The Most High, the devil has no authority over you! You know how you used to run your mouth in the world, how you was that bad chick... Turn right around stick your pointer finger on the devil's forehead & tell him that you ain't scared! Tell Him that NO weapon formed against you shall prosper! Then do it again & tell him that by His stripes you ARE healed! Do it again & tell him that like a tree that's planted by the water I SHALL NOT be moved! Do it again & say that if God be for me, He's more than the whole world against me! Do it again & tell him he Can't have your son, he Can't have your daughter! Do it again & tell him that as for me & my house we SHALL serve the Lord! Do it again & tell him I WIN! I WIN! I WIN! I WIN! Now open up the nearest door & kick his tired behind OUT!
I believe I'll run on! I believe I'll run on! I believe I run on! I'm going to keeping pressing to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. For the race is not given to the swift but to those who endure till the end & baby God ain't through with me yet!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
What is really going on...
Are you playing defense or offense? Are you protecting yourself, or allowing yourself to be under attack? What are you doing? Really, what are you doing? Are you on the outside of your own situation looking in, are you sitting there & just allowing things to happen & come up against you. Are you just going to sit there & allow the enemy to take what is yours? Are you going to sit down & shut up or are you going to stand up & suit up in the FULL Armor of God?
Stand therefore (hold your ground), having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news) of the Gospel of peace. Lift up over all the (covering) shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked (one). And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17
Check your foundation. What are you standing on? Who’s truth? The worlds, the news reporter, your mama? Is God’s belt of truth tightened around you?
Heaven & Earth shall pass away, but My Words shall never pass away. Matthew24:35
Are you confident in your own righteousness or God’s righteousness? Are you playing by your own rules or following the commandments of God? Who is protecting your vital organs? Are you operating in your own truths, your own belief systems? Are you going in your own strength or in God’s?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, & do not rely on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Whose shoes do you have on your feet? I know they cute baby. I know they match your outfit but do they have any power? See these shoes, God’s shoes, you don’t have to worry about breaking a heel or someone stepping on ‘em. When you wear His shoes you ain’t got to worry ‘bout nothin’!
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
So while you’re standing there with your belt of truth & breastplate of righteousness, do you have a shield of saving faith? What size is it? No faith, no shield! Little faith, little shield! Big faith big shield! When you’re being attacked physically your natural instinct is to raise your arm to protect yourself. In this battle, what’s in your hand? Is it able to quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked (one)?
The name of the Lord is a Strong Tower; the righteous run to it & are saved. Proverbs 18:10
"...And are saved.” Are you saved? You are in this world but not of the world. Your way of thinking & living has to be changed. It has to be protected. Are you wearing your helmet of salvation?
Do not conform any longer to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test & approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing & perfect will. Romans 12:2
You looking real cute right now right? All suited up! Now what? What you goin’ fight with? A gun, a knife, a bat? What’s that goin’ do besides upset God & entertain the devil?
"…the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17
Open your mouth & speak life! Begin to decree & declare the Word of God in your life, over that situation, over your circumstances. It is His weapon of choice. The only weapon necessary to fight this battle.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Ephesians 6:12
That problem, that situation, it is not bigger than your God. We serve a Great God. If you can’t tell it then let me tell it… He IS an Awesome God! He is my Provider, my Healer, my Father, my Husband, my Strong Tower, my Peace, my Sanctifier, my Sheppard, my Righteousness, my Banner, the Author & Finisher of my faith! I used to fight with my hands but God… Now I war in prayer. Not just for myself but for my family, for my children, for everyone connected to me cause if I fight every battle on my knees (in prayer), I will ALWAYS win! Cause It’s not my battle it’s God’s! When I speak & pray His word, His promises, He has no choice but to honor it because His word will
not return void!
The armor covers every part of the body…but your back. Cause you’re not supposed to run. Don’t turn your back on God. He is able. He knows the end result. He has you in the palm of His hand. It is already done. You have the victory. He has called you to STAND!
Stop playing offense & rise up! Give God your most defensive praise. Let the devil know that you’re encouraged. Remind Him of whose you are cause baby you ARE a child of The Most High God! You have been sealed & He has established you. Go forward child of God.y
Stand therefore (hold your ground), having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news) of the Gospel of peace. Lift up over all the (covering) shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked (one). And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17
Check your foundation. What are you standing on? Who’s truth? The worlds, the news reporter, your mama? Is God’s belt of truth tightened around you?
Heaven & Earth shall pass away, but My Words shall never pass away. Matthew24:35
Are you confident in your own righteousness or God’s righteousness? Are you playing by your own rules or following the commandments of God? Who is protecting your vital organs? Are you operating in your own truths, your own belief systems? Are you going in your own strength or in God’s?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, & do not rely on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Whose shoes do you have on your feet? I know they cute baby. I know they match your outfit but do they have any power? See these shoes, God’s shoes, you don’t have to worry about breaking a heel or someone stepping on ‘em. When you wear His shoes you ain’t got to worry ‘bout nothin’!
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
So while you’re standing there with your belt of truth & breastplate of righteousness, do you have a shield of saving faith? What size is it? No faith, no shield! Little faith, little shield! Big faith big shield! When you’re being attacked physically your natural instinct is to raise your arm to protect yourself. In this battle, what’s in your hand? Is it able to quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked (one)?
The name of the Lord is a Strong Tower; the righteous run to it & are saved. Proverbs 18:10
"...And are saved.” Are you saved? You are in this world but not of the world. Your way of thinking & living has to be changed. It has to be protected. Are you wearing your helmet of salvation?
Do not conform any longer to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test & approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing & perfect will. Romans 12:2
You looking real cute right now right? All suited up! Now what? What you goin’ fight with? A gun, a knife, a bat? What’s that goin’ do besides upset God & entertain the devil?
"…the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17
Open your mouth & speak life! Begin to decree & declare the Word of God in your life, over that situation, over your circumstances. It is His weapon of choice. The only weapon necessary to fight this battle.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Ephesians 6:12
That problem, that situation, it is not bigger than your God. We serve a Great God. If you can’t tell it then let me tell it… He IS an Awesome God! He is my Provider, my Healer, my Father, my Husband, my Strong Tower, my Peace, my Sanctifier, my Sheppard, my Righteousness, my Banner, the Author & Finisher of my faith! I used to fight with my hands but God… Now I war in prayer. Not just for myself but for my family, for my children, for everyone connected to me cause if I fight every battle on my knees (in prayer), I will ALWAYS win! Cause It’s not my battle it’s God’s! When I speak & pray His word, His promises, He has no choice but to honor it because His word will
not return void!
The armor covers every part of the body…but your back. Cause you’re not supposed to run. Don’t turn your back on God. He is able. He knows the end result. He has you in the palm of His hand. It is already done. You have the victory. He has called you to STAND!
Stop playing offense & rise up! Give God your most defensive praise. Let the devil know that you’re encouraged. Remind Him of whose you are cause baby you ARE a child of The Most High God! You have been sealed & He has established you. Go forward child of God.y
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
I'm NOT that girl...
Redeemed-To recover ownership of by paying a specified sum. To pay off. To turn in and receive something in exchange.
Isn’t that what God did when He sent His son? When Christ died for our sins? Oh wait let me check…
"But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was on him…” Isaiah 53:5
Definitely not just MY sins but ours! If He did it for me, He’ll do it for you!
Redeemed is further defined as-. To set free; rescue or ransom. To save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences. To restore the honor, worth, or reputation.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
I have done a lot of things in my short 27 years of life that I’m not proud of. If you had approached me a year or two ago about something I’d get ugly right along with you & be like, “Yeah, I did it! Yeah I said it! Now what?” Shoot, sometimes I’d approach you & be like, “I ain’t eat all my lunch, you want those leftovers too?” or, “oh, that was your man? Well you can have him back now cause I’m finished with him!”
I did a lot & I’ve reaped a lot. I created my own mess, I dug my own pit. I rededicated my life back to Christ more times than I care to count, got baptized, worked with the kids, was in the church & still cutting a fool. I had a baby. By the Bishop’s son… yet he saw fit to pull me out.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud, and mire; he set my feet on a rock & gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
God recovered ownership of me. He restored me back to my rightful position in His Kingdom so I no longer defend myself. Now, when people (unsaved & saved), bring my past back to me I say, “God has already forgiven me for that!”
Now don't get me wrong,.. Just because I'm saved doesn't make me exempt from the consequences of my actions. We can choose the sin but not the consequence. Like I said, "I've done a lot & I've reaped a lot."
Understanding redemption, believing, & accepting that I am redeemed has been a long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long road. No joke. I hadn't really thought about it or realized how much my past had me bound. I thought I was over it, That I had moved on but my decision making proved otherwise & my Spirit told on me every single time. I went to the altar one day & I didn't even know what the altar call was for but the Spirit was so thick. My Pastor shared some things with me & we prayed in agreement & years of guilt, shame, remorse, you name it. Gone!
Without a shadow of a doubt I know that I have been redeemed & I can now boldly say, “I’m not that girl!” Instead of God saying it to me, with tears of triumph in my eyes, I can say it to Him & to anybody else who needs to know, “I am NOT, that girl!”
Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. Pslams 107:2
Isn’t that what God did when He sent His son? When Christ died for our sins? Oh wait let me check…
"But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was on him…” Isaiah 53:5
Definitely not just MY sins but ours! If He did it for me, He’ll do it for you!
Redeemed is further defined as-. To set free; rescue or ransom. To save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences. To restore the honor, worth, or reputation.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
I have done a lot of things in my short 27 years of life that I’m not proud of. If you had approached me a year or two ago about something I’d get ugly right along with you & be like, “Yeah, I did it! Yeah I said it! Now what?” Shoot, sometimes I’d approach you & be like, “I ain’t eat all my lunch, you want those leftovers too?” or, “oh, that was your man? Well you can have him back now cause I’m finished with him!”
I did a lot & I’ve reaped a lot. I created my own mess, I dug my own pit. I rededicated my life back to Christ more times than I care to count, got baptized, worked with the kids, was in the church & still cutting a fool. I had a baby. By the Bishop’s son… yet he saw fit to pull me out.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud, and mire; he set my feet on a rock & gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
God recovered ownership of me. He restored me back to my rightful position in His Kingdom so I no longer defend myself. Now, when people (unsaved & saved), bring my past back to me I say, “God has already forgiven me for that!”
Now don't get me wrong,.. Just because I'm saved doesn't make me exempt from the consequences of my actions. We can choose the sin but not the consequence. Like I said, "I've done a lot & I've reaped a lot."
Understanding redemption, believing, & accepting that I am redeemed has been a long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long road. No joke. I hadn't really thought about it or realized how much my past had me bound. I thought I was over it, That I had moved on but my decision making proved otherwise & my Spirit told on me every single time. I went to the altar one day & I didn't even know what the altar call was for but the Spirit was so thick. My Pastor shared some things with me & we prayed in agreement & years of guilt, shame, remorse, you name it. Gone!
Without a shadow of a doubt I know that I have been redeemed & I can now boldly say, “I’m not that girl!” Instead of God saying it to me, with tears of triumph in my eyes, I can say it to Him & to anybody else who needs to know, “I am NOT, that girl!”
Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. Pslams 107:2
Monday, August 8, 2011
Activate Your Faith...
As I sit here at my desk with tears in my eyes God is asking, “what are you believing ME for?” Not your friend, your neighbor, your mother, your father… What are YOU believing GOD for? Are you activating YOUR faith?
If you believe it, you SHALL receive it!
Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened. Matthew 7:7
What have you opened your mouth & asked your Heavenly Father for? What are you speaking in to the atmosphere? Are you a child of the Most High God? Has He not given you authority-
As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.
Life & death lies in the power of the tongue! What are you speaking? Doubt, fear, hesitation…But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind & tossed James 1:6
Have you gone before His throne BOLDLY-
“And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us
Check your motives… Not MY will God, but YOUR will!
For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. Romans 12:3
Many of us are going through a process often referred to as the “refining,” stage. God is asking- Can you be faithful to Him, “even in this?”
Come now you may greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if must be, you are in heaviness through a myriad of temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Yeshua the Messiah. (I Peter 1:6-7)
Are you a Job who answered- "... when He Has Tried me, I shall come forth as gold!" (Job 23:10)? Or are you like the disciples before they came in to the full knowledge who He IS & God is turning to you and saying, “… Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith…”? Big faith produces big results. Little faith produces little results. No faith produces no results.
What has God told you about this “thing”? Have you found it in the scriptures?
So then faith cometh by hearing, & hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17)
If you do what you are supposed to do through the process, your Faith will grow!
And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted & be planted in the sea,” & it would obey you. Luke 17:6
Although it is invincible, it is inevitable because He knows the end result.
faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen Hebrews 11:1
Be encouraged. Your situation, your circumstance, this test, this trial, it is not bigger than your GOD! If He be for you, He is more than the whole world against you. He has not left you, He has not forsaken you. I know it’s hard, I know it hurts, but trust in the Lord with ALL your heart! When you’ve done all you can JUST STAND! Stand on His Word, stand on His Promise. What He has for you it is for you & only you. It has YOUR name on it! With tears in your eyes keep pressing. Keep praising. Keep praying. Don’t give up. Don’t give out. Don’t give in. You are more than a conqueror through Christ that strengthens you.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
That I May Be Forgiven...
There is a part in all of us that can relate to the woman at the Mount of Olives. Or maybe I am the only one so lets just talk about me! There have been times in my life that I have done unmentionable things. Things I could have went to jail for, things I could have been beaten for or worse. Things I was caught in the act of doing But God...
When the scribes & Pharisees brought the woman who had been caught in adultery, they made her stand in the middle of the court & put the case Him, Teacher, they said, this very act of adultery. Now Moses in the Law commanded us that such (women-offenders) shall be stoned to death. But what do You say (to do with her-what is Your sentence)? This they said to try (test) Him. But Jesus stooped down & wrote on the ground with His finger. However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up & said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. Then He bent down & went on writing on the ground with His finger. They listented to Him, & then they began going out, consience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before Him in the center of the court.
John 8:3-9
Has He been that good to you? Did He allow your pesecutors to persecute you? Did He allow your enemy to overtake you? God is our greatest defender, protector, vindicator.
When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more. John 8:10-11
My God... Even after all of her accusers left, she stood there still expecting to be punished & not even God Himself condemned her. He set her FREE! And who He sets free is free INDEED!
No matter what I've done, what I've said, even what I've thought that was contrary to the Word of God everytime I've asked Him for forgiveness He's forgiven me every single time. We are all capable of forgiving because He has given us the ability to forgive. What if God was like us? What if after He sent His Son who had the ability to forgive through His death & when it was His time to be nailed on the cross He stood before us & said, "do you know how you made me feel? I will never forgive you," then never died on that cross...?
If God can forgive us for every big & little thing we have done wrong in His sight then who are we that we can't forgive? Who are we that we judge what & who is right or wrong? Are we greater than God? To hold some one hostage? Ask yourself this, are we holding them hostage or ourseves hostage? You might say, "you don't know what they did..." no sin is greater than the other. Some of us just cover our stuff up better than others but if all you did was take a cookie out of the cookie jar & I robbed a bank, if we asked for His forgiveness He'd give it to us all the same.
Forgiveness is not for the other person. Your unforgiveness is not going to stop the other person from going on with their lives. Forgiveness is for YOU! You can refuse to forgive but if the offender has asked you for your forgiveness & goes before God & ask His forgiveness they will recieve it. They would've moved on & your unforgiveness keeps you & only you stuck. So who are you really punishing? Just because you forgive that person for that thing doesn't mean they're off the hook, (what you sow is what you reap), but it gets you off the hook. Forgiveness is an act of obedience & obedience is better than sacrifice so what then have you lost? Have you but all to gain? The blessings of our Father?
Unforgiveness is a sin. We can chose the sin but not the consequence & we will most definitely at some point in time suffer the consequence of our sinful behavior but it's all in God's timing, not our own.
He told her to go & sin no more. So you say, " this isn't the first time..." Then Peter came up to Him & said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me & I forgive him and let it go? (As many as) up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven! Matthew 18: 21-22 AMP
As many times as you need to forgive the same person for the same thing just do it. Don't just say it. Forgiveness does not mean that there has to be a relationship between you & the offender. It does not mean reconciliation but if we don't forgive others, our Father in heaven can't forgive us.
Let me leave you with this... In our hurt, in our pain all we think about is what the other person did but do we take responsibility for our part? Have we asked for forgiveness? Even if we don't think we've done anything wrong, does the other person need you to hear you say I'm sorry? How important is it for you to be right?
When the scribes & Pharisees brought the woman who had been caught in adultery, they made her stand in the middle of the court & put the case Him, Teacher, they said, this very act of adultery. Now Moses in the Law commanded us that such (women-offenders) shall be stoned to death. But what do You say (to do with her-what is Your sentence)? This they said to try (test) Him. But Jesus stooped down & wrote on the ground with His finger. However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up & said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. Then He bent down & went on writing on the ground with His finger. They listented to Him, & then they began going out, consience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before Him in the center of the court.
John 8:3-9
Has He been that good to you? Did He allow your pesecutors to persecute you? Did He allow your enemy to overtake you? God is our greatest defender, protector, vindicator.
When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more. John 8:10-11
My God... Even after all of her accusers left, she stood there still expecting to be punished & not even God Himself condemned her. He set her FREE! And who He sets free is free INDEED!
No matter what I've done, what I've said, even what I've thought that was contrary to the Word of God everytime I've asked Him for forgiveness He's forgiven me every single time. We are all capable of forgiving because He has given us the ability to forgive. What if God was like us? What if after He sent His Son who had the ability to forgive through His death & when it was His time to be nailed on the cross He stood before us & said, "do you know how you made me feel? I will never forgive you," then never died on that cross...?
If God can forgive us for every big & little thing we have done wrong in His sight then who are we that we can't forgive? Who are we that we judge what & who is right or wrong? Are we greater than God? To hold some one hostage? Ask yourself this, are we holding them hostage or ourseves hostage? You might say, "you don't know what they did..." no sin is greater than the other. Some of us just cover our stuff up better than others but if all you did was take a cookie out of the cookie jar & I robbed a bank, if we asked for His forgiveness He'd give it to us all the same.
Forgiveness is not for the other person. Your unforgiveness is not going to stop the other person from going on with their lives. Forgiveness is for YOU! You can refuse to forgive but if the offender has asked you for your forgiveness & goes before God & ask His forgiveness they will recieve it. They would've moved on & your unforgiveness keeps you & only you stuck. So who are you really punishing? Just because you forgive that person for that thing doesn't mean they're off the hook, (what you sow is what you reap), but it gets you off the hook. Forgiveness is an act of obedience & obedience is better than sacrifice so what then have you lost? Have you but all to gain? The blessings of our Father?
Unforgiveness is a sin. We can chose the sin but not the consequence & we will most definitely at some point in time suffer the consequence of our sinful behavior but it's all in God's timing, not our own.
He told her to go & sin no more. So you say, " this isn't the first time..." Then Peter came up to Him & said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me & I forgive him and let it go? (As many as) up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven! Matthew 18: 21-22 AMP
As many times as you need to forgive the same person for the same thing just do it. Don't just say it. Forgiveness does not mean that there has to be a relationship between you & the offender. It does not mean reconciliation but if we don't forgive others, our Father in heaven can't forgive us.
Let me leave you with this... In our hurt, in our pain all we think about is what the other person did but do we take responsibility for our part? Have we asked for forgiveness? Even if we don't think we've done anything wrong, does the other person need you to hear you say I'm sorry? How important is it for you to be right?
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Protect Your Jewels...
My bestfriend lives in Kodiak & recently we have been studying a daily topic together on our blog. Today the topic is the role of a man & a woman in a marriage. I have to admit that I have been single since I was three months pregnant with my now almost two year old daughter. I used to think that the single life was the most liberating thing for me. I never felt like I was missing anything. I could come & go as I pleased, didn't have to do all the things I did when I was, "playng house." I thought it was the good life. However after work yesterday I had the opportunity to be around a married couple & although they're not perfect what I realized is what my mother always says, "marriage is a beautiful thing!" Anyway, back to the study-
The Lord took me to study Proverbs 31 10-31. As I was reading I said, " Lord, I've never been married & although I have my own outside opinion can I really speak on this?" I continued reading & as I was reading I asked God, "Lord what is it that you want me to get out of this? So I started writing & after the first scripture I was done so Lehgo...
Proverbs 31: 10 AMP
A capable, intellegent, and virtuous woman- who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
Protect your jewels-
What is your greatest emotion after a break up? Do you feel as if you have been robbed? That your hope in a future with this certain someone has been taken away? What about relationships where you find that too often times you gave x,y,z and all the other person did was take? That all you did was prepare him for someone else? What about that girl who took your man when truthfully he was never yours to begin with anyway. Let's be real, A- you can't keep anyone who don't want to be kept, B- a stray don't belong to NOBODY! and C- your problem/ought isn't with her!
After a break up one of the hardest things for us to come to grips with is that the evidence was already there. A man once told me that, "women know exactly who they're getting with when they get with them." Sad but true. Sometimes we feel confident that we can change them or that it won't be like that with me... We convince ourselves that, "if I just do this or if I just do that then he won't do this and he won't do that." Honestly, the cocky part of us like to think that we're better than the rest lol Yet this same man that we have given ourselves so freely to is the same man who broke your heart & just when you thought the situation couldn't get any worse then it already is; he does the unthinkable. Tearing to pieces what was left of it.
The Bible clearly tells us in Matthew 7:6- Do not give what is Holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Woman of God you are His most precious jewel. Where have you placed your pearls? Be careful of who you give your heart to. Such a man as the one described does not know your value & he cannot know your value unless you know your value & baby you are valuable! Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
I belive this applies to men too because there are some raunchy females out there (let's be real), so don't take this as man bashing. We are ALL His precious jewels. Relationships consist of two people. We all play a role & whether we are the victim or the perpretrator we all have to take responsibility for our parts in it's success or failure.
Align yourself with God, He comes FIRST not second. Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God & His righteousnes & all these things shall be added unto you. If you take care of our Father's business He'll take care of ours guaranteed!
Side note:Think on this: Does the Bible speak about a boyfriend & a girlfriend or a husband & a wife?
The Lord took me to study Proverbs 31 10-31. As I was reading I said, " Lord, I've never been married & although I have my own outside opinion can I really speak on this?" I continued reading & as I was reading I asked God, "Lord what is it that you want me to get out of this? So I started writing & after the first scripture I was done so Lehgo...
Proverbs 31: 10 AMP
A capable, intellegent, and virtuous woman- who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
Protect your jewels-
What is your greatest emotion after a break up? Do you feel as if you have been robbed? That your hope in a future with this certain someone has been taken away? What about relationships where you find that too often times you gave x,y,z and all the other person did was take? That all you did was prepare him for someone else? What about that girl who took your man when truthfully he was never yours to begin with anyway. Let's be real, A- you can't keep anyone who don't want to be kept, B- a stray don't belong to NOBODY! and C- your problem/ought isn't with her!
After a break up one of the hardest things for us to come to grips with is that the evidence was already there. A man once told me that, "women know exactly who they're getting with when they get with them." Sad but true. Sometimes we feel confident that we can change them or that it won't be like that with me... We convince ourselves that, "if I just do this or if I just do that then he won't do this and he won't do that." Honestly, the cocky part of us like to think that we're better than the rest lol Yet this same man that we have given ourselves so freely to is the same man who broke your heart & just when you thought the situation couldn't get any worse then it already is; he does the unthinkable. Tearing to pieces what was left of it.
The Bible clearly tells us in Matthew 7:6- Do not give what is Holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Woman of God you are His most precious jewel. Where have you placed your pearls? Be careful of who you give your heart to. Such a man as the one described does not know your value & he cannot know your value unless you know your value & baby you are valuable! Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
I belive this applies to men too because there are some raunchy females out there (let's be real), so don't take this as man bashing. We are ALL His precious jewels. Relationships consist of two people. We all play a role & whether we are the victim or the perpretrator we all have to take responsibility for our parts in it's success or failure.
Align yourself with God, He comes FIRST not second. Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God & His righteousnes & all these things shall be added unto you. If you take care of our Father's business He'll take care of ours guaranteed!
Side note:Think on this: Does the Bible speak about a boyfriend & a girlfriend or a husband & a wife?
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Answer to a Question...
Someone asked a question on Facebook: Is there a difference between ministering & performing?
I was sharing this with someone on Saturday & it’s just my humble opinion- I believe that ultimately the WORD is the difference. That when you are ministering to someone you are ministering the WORD and only the WORD. There are definitely people out there who claim they are “ministering” when they are only talking. Speaking just to be heard. Going on & on about “stuff” referencing songs, sayings, & everything else but the WORD of GOD because they have no WORD in them. Why? Because they’re not in their WORD. If you don’t put any WORD in you, no WORD will come out of you. His WORD never changes. When you attempt to talk about “stuff” you don’t know about, you start to perform. His WORD leads & guides us. It’s never changing & God does not need us to add to it or delete from it. He is God all by Himself. If we walk in the Spirit we will be led by the Spirit & if the Spirit leads us to speak a WORD it is not about what we say, how we look, how big or small the audience is, it’s about what God is saying through you. It is up to the person receiving it to discern the WORD from the performance & how it impacts them. If He’s sending it through someone else it is only to confirm what He has already told you (be it good or bad). If your Spirit doesn’t receive it then don’t!
I was sharing this with someone on Saturday & it’s just my humble opinion- I believe that ultimately the WORD is the difference. That when you are ministering to someone you are ministering the WORD and only the WORD. There are definitely people out there who claim they are “ministering” when they are only talking. Speaking just to be heard. Going on & on about “stuff” referencing songs, sayings, & everything else but the WORD of GOD because they have no WORD in them. Why? Because they’re not in their WORD. If you don’t put any WORD in you, no WORD will come out of you. His WORD never changes. When you attempt to talk about “stuff” you don’t know about, you start to perform. His WORD leads & guides us. It’s never changing & God does not need us to add to it or delete from it. He is God all by Himself. If we walk in the Spirit we will be led by the Spirit & if the Spirit leads us to speak a WORD it is not about what we say, how we look, how big or small the audience is, it’s about what God is saying through you. It is up to the person receiving it to discern the WORD from the performance & how it impacts them. If He’s sending it through someone else it is only to confirm what He has already told you (be it good or bad). If your Spirit doesn’t receive it then don’t!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What Godtimistic Means To Me!
Webster defines optimistic as, “ Hopeful and confident about the future.” When I heard my brother Joshua say Godtimistic I didn’t catch it at first but in His WORD God says in Jeremiah 29:11,“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an EXPECTED end (a HOPE and a future).
Though we may not see, GOD knows the end result so I am HOPEFUL & CONFIDENT (GODTIMISTIC), that God’s got ME. That if I take care of my Father’s business, He’ll take care of mine because He’s able to exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to HIS power, (not my own) that worketh in us!
My CONFIDENCE is in GOD! 1 John 5:14, “And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. His WORD His PROMISES CANNOT return void because He is not like man that He shall lie! So if I go before HIS throne BODLY & pray his WORD, which are His PROMISES, it SHALL come to pass.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 MSG, “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes TOGETHER, gloriously evident. GOD affirms us, making us a SURE THING in CHRIST, putting his Yes within us. By HIS Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is DESTINED to COMPLETE!
Though we may not see, GOD knows the end result so I am HOPEFUL & CONFIDENT (GODTIMISTIC), that God’s got ME. That if I take care of my Father’s business, He’ll take care of mine because He’s able to exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to HIS power, (not my own) that worketh in us!
My CONFIDENCE is in GOD! 1 John 5:14, “And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. His WORD His PROMISES CANNOT return void because He is not like man that He shall lie! So if I go before HIS throne BODLY & pray his WORD, which are His PROMISES, it SHALL come to pass.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 MSG, “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes TOGETHER, gloriously evident. GOD affirms us, making us a SURE THING in CHRIST, putting his Yes within us. By HIS Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is DESTINED to COMPLETE!
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