Thursday, December 29, 2016

Praise brings the Victory

Yes, there truly is! 
Praise can overcome a multitude of defeats.  When you are feeling down, tired, confused, or out of it, praise is what will get you through. We have to learn to give place to the joyous and prosperous things of the Kingdom.  God did not give us these tools for nothing.  He has provided a way of escape for us, we just have to be wise enough to take it.  
 
Don't think your issue or situation is too insignificant to pull out the pig guns.  Nothing is to small for praise.  The bible says, "Let everything that has breath, praise ye the Lord"(Ps 150:6).  We would do well to add on and say, Let everything that has breath praise ye the Lord about everything"! 
 
We should praise God for waking up, for a bright new day, for the clothes we put on, for the car we drive, for limbs to walk, for the job, for the kids, for the hardships that come to make us stronger, for the finances, for keeping us from saying wrong things, for giving us the right words, for getting us to our destinations safely, for the friendly people we encounter throughout the day, for the peace at lunch time, for the workout He allowed you to partake in, for the bible study, for the pastor, for the church, for your siblings, for your parents, for divine thoughts, for amazing ideas, praise Him because He is present. 
 
 Do you get where I'm going with this?  I could have filled the page with reasons to praise God, but I would need a lot more pages. Notice I did not say praise Him for the siblings that treat you so good, or for the job that you love.  No, don't let your praise be contingent on how you feel or perceive something.  A situation can be going all wrong and you should praise.  Why???  Because praise brings the victory! 
 
I have been in some dire situations and things were not looking good. It wasn't until I begin to praise God because of who He is that things started to turn around.  I was able to conquer the unconquerable. There is victory in your praise.  I dare you to try God today.  Begin to apply praise to your life.  If you are home stop right there and just tell God thank you. Tell Him He's everything to you, more than you could ever hope for, more than you deserve and for that you are thankful.  If you are at work, go to the restroom or step outside and give God a praise. 
 
You can even praise Him in your silence.  God looks at the heart, the inward parts.  Even if your mouth can't move, just think praise and watch how God turns your life around.  Praise brings the victory. 
 
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! (Ps 34.8) Shout unto God with the voice of triumph (Ps 47.1), great is the Lord and most worthy of praise (Ps 145:3)!          
 
~God Bless U                                 

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Don't Despise the Battle

🎶 🎶" Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is Strong"🎶 🎶
 
 
 
This is the first song I sung in the choir when I was a kid.  I was so happy to do it.  I had watched my grandmother sing and direct the choir for many years and now I was getting my turn.  Look out Anna Mae Bullock, here I come!  Needless to say my moment came and I was so scared, I froze up.  The whole church was looking at me and I couldn't say a word.  My grandmother calmly walked up to me and said "what does the first few words say", I said those very words back to her and she looked me in my eye and told me "we can't do it on our own, we're not strong enough, but Jesus can". One of my grandmother's favorite saying was that we were soldiers on the battlefield for the Lord, so I knew exactly what she was getting at. I nodded, and she stepped back in place.  The music started again and I started to sing.  No, stop... What I really mean is I sang!!!  I was so glad my granny gave me an extra run, cause I worked that song out! Just don't ask me to do it now. lol  It's one of my fondest memories I have of her and I.   
 
As I think about that now, I realize that something rose up in me that day.  That it was not only those dutiful words of my Grandmother, but that it was the Holy Spirit, the very strength of God.  The very hand of God that comes to strengthen all of us to do His Will.  As my Grandmother said we are soldiers on the battlefield. What I found out is that a soldier that performs well in battles, comes to be known as a warrior in times of war. Their name goes out into the land and a mighty man/woman of valor.  They are considered blessed and favored in their land.  That sounds like something God would do for His children. So I want to encourage you today not to despise the battles in your life, they come to fashion you into what God has called you to be. 
 
 
Not only that, but there are some things in our lives that we need to slay and utterly destroy.  We also need to know who we are and the power of God in us.  Ephesians 6:10-11 says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."   The Apostle Paul reminds us to wear our armour daily, so that we are not caught unprotected against the enemy and  so that we can take what is thrown at us.  We are warriors, so we must be disciplined and fierce as we go into battle.  Bad covenants are erased on the battlefield, possessions are taken back, homes are saved, and most importantly victories are won on the battlefield  Go with God, and conquer all that is yours!
 
 
~God Bless U

Friday, December 16, 2016

It's Worth It

IT IS WORTH IT!!!
 All that you are going through, the long days, the sleepless nights, the endless prayers, and the pressing.  It's all going to pay off.  Even the disappointments are designed for your good in the end. Just because things don't work out as you would like, does not mean it won't work out.  But according to God's Will it shall be so. Wherever you may find yourself, be encouraged, God is on your side!

Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.
Job 8:7 (KJV)

  I just want to encourage you all today and everyday that the hardships in life that you go through, the test and trials that come, and anything that you have to work for is worth it.  God wants what is best for you, He's not going to deny you unless it's for your own good, and He will bring you into the fullness of His blessings. 

Just hold on a little longer, be like Jacob, and don't let go until your blessing comes.  I can tell you from experience that when it does you won't have room enough to receive it.  That it will be better than you ever imagined.  And I'll tell you something else, He's not done yet!  He can, will, and always does exceedingly above anything we can expect or fathom.  So my prayer for you today is that you hold on, stand strong, and that the blessings of the Lord overtake you!

~God Bless U