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                                 

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

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

There is Beauty in the Storm

Across town the snow is falling and the roads are getting slick, Mary begins to look out the window and worry.  Over the last hour the snow started to really come down and the newscaster is predicting over 4 inches in the new few hours.  Mary said to no one in particular, "storms come for no reason but to bring trouble". She starts hoping and praying her boss tells everyone to pack it up.  She can just see the traffic at a stand still.  Mary wants to get home to the kids, the school already said they would be dismissing early.  Soon the announcement comes that everyone can go, and to get home as soon as possible, it going to be a blizzard.  Mary becomes worried and fearful, the last time she drove in the snow someone almost hit her car and she knows today will probably be no better.  Curse this snow, Mary thought.

 

Now the snow begins to fall in the neighborhood and Alex and Hailey can't wait to get off of the school bus.  They hurry into the house and their Dad, Michael has just arrived home too.  They greet their Dad and inquire as to when Mary, their Mom will be home.  Michael reports that he just spoke with her and that she's on her way.  The kids get giddy with excitement and run toward the garage.  Michael continues into the living room.

 

Mary makes it home after a grueling bout with traffic. She walks in the house as the wind picks up and again curses the snow under her breath.  As she walks in the house she's greeted with warmth from the fire place and immediately feels warmth all the way down to her toes.  She come to the living room where she sees the window covering spread and open to reveal the shovels in the back yard and all the fixings to sled and make snow men. The snow is falling and its a beautiful sight! She also find Michael, Alex and Hailey gathered around the fire with mugs of hot chocolate. One is sitting to the side for her. Hailey exclaims they've been waiting for her to get home!  Alex explains how they were super excited to get out of school early and how they got everything ready to play in the snow later!  Michael holds his arms out so that she can come get comfortable with them and enjoy the rest of the day.  As she sits down he whispers into her ear "thank God for blizzards".

Mary considered her earlier feelings regarding the snow, about how it was such a hassle and just made for a miserable time.  As she thought to herself, she looked at her family and considered their outlook on the snow, she quickly realized that perception is everything.  That though snow and blizzards can bring about some ugly conditions in some circumstances,  they can also bring some awesome moments too. She realized there is beauty in the storm.

I pray this touched your heart today and that you will consider every side of  the situations you find yourself in.  Look for the beauty, if you happen to not be able to find it, look directly to God because He has purpose in everything.

~God Bless U

God is FAITHFUL

Let me encourage you today that God is faithful!  He will not fail you, nor leave you, nor forsake you. Some of us are struggling with life; whether it be home, relationships, work, finances, spiritual health, physical health, mental health, or a combination thereof, God will see you through.  The scripture says:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  1Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)

So how do we make it?  When does it get better?  When will the pain stop?  When will the drought leave?  I believe these answers are not external but internal.  Things change when we decide to change our mindset about them.  Instead of feelings of despair encourage yourself in the Lord.  Proclaim victory over those issues and start doing things in your daily life to move past them.  There are some things that no matter how we try to out think them we need the Hand of God to come in and change  them.  God knows this too, and a can do mindset tells God you are still in the fight and you are not giving up.  That you are waiting on Him for your help. Our faith moves God into action.  He is there ready willing, able and waiting, to move on your behalf.  Ask Him and watch and see how He transforms your life right before your eyes. 

I had to ask God for help recently and I knew God was waiting on me to have the mindset needed to overcome the obstacle. One of my struggles is with being very tired after work, but still needing to come home and be a parent, cook a meal, and not spend my evenings trying to get rest that truly never comes because everybody still needs me.  There is no point in laying down to take a nap if your six year old will be on your side tapping you for a snack, or your seven year old wants to tell you about something funny that happened at school. Then its the middle child's turn, and then when you think you've gotten that out of the way here come the oldest to tell you about something he needs for school tomorrow.  Then an hour has passed, everyone has said what they had to say and they leave you to said nap, but you still don't get it because now your husband has made it home an you need to be mentally present to hear about his day.  In the end, it's like "what nap??? 

So I needed God's help to overcome the fatigue I felt after work and be productive for my household. One thing I decided to do is not go into my bedroom when I get home.  I stop at the table and take any questions from the kids, ask about homework, have snack, heat the over, etc.  Whatever I can do to break the monotony and keep going.  I'm training my mind that off of work does not mean off of life.  This has helped me so much that I now can go in the house, help with homework, start dinner, then run downstairs and hop on the treadmill for a few.  What has not changed is that I'm tired and that I would still rather be in my bed sleeping by 7pm.  But with God's help and a change in my mindset I am learning to do what is better and more profitable for me. 

With God nothing is impossible!  Now I do have some more pressing things that I need God's help with than my evening routine, but I wanted to give you an example of how God is faithful over the everyday things of your life.  Trust Him warriors. Try Him at His word and watch your mindset change and your circumstances improve!

God Bless U

By Prayer and Fasting

I have been praying for God to move on my behalf for a few things. At times I can see them being removed, but then another situation may come up and I'm presented with the issue all over again.  I was thinking about my circumstances all over again this morning, and the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance Matthew 17:21.

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

 

 

The disciples could not cast a spirit out of a man's son and they couldn't understand why.  Jesus talked to them about unbelief and faith, but then He let them know that there are some things that will only be removed by prayer and fasting. 

 

I believe this is the answer to those issues of life that seem to have a foothold on us.  The things that no matter how hard we try, we can't shake it, or it lingers, or it seems to come up over and over again. When we pray and fast we are garnering strength from the spirit realm to help us overcome spiritual and earthly obstacles. when you fast you put the flesh under subjection which then causes your spirit man to rise up and have direct communication into the spirit.  The bible tells us to worship in spirit and truth because God is spirit. So the flesh that usually separates us has to take a seat and we draw closer to our heavenly Father for direction, purpose, and care.  I believe when we pray and fast the whole heavenly hosts takes notice.  The enemy then has to back down, the troubling spirits flee from us and God stands glorified in our lives.

 

 

I know I went a little deep there, but there is so much deeper to go.  But, in the interest of not losing not one soul, let's put it like this:  prayer and fasting removes obstacles out of the way, it gives the believer clarity, hope, and the determination needed to overcome. Most importantly God moves mightily on your behalf! So I encourage you to pray and fast for the following areas:

• closer to God
• spiritual enlightenment
• healing (physical, emotional, & spiritual)
• knowledge and discernment
• breakage of generational curses
• removal of sin and iniquity
• fruitful and productive ministries
• strong and loving family life
• financial security & prosperity
• safety
• etc. (anything that is on your heart)

 

I'm not telling you anything I don't know to be the truth.  God has moved in mighty ways, my thinking has been changed, and actual miracles have happen to ME as a result of praying and fasting.   You don't need to be in turmoil to fast, in fact it is better to go unto Him for nothing more than to be closer and to experience His love on a new level.  I pray this helps someone, I truly know what my next steps are as we go into November.  I will be praying for spiritual enlightenment, a deeper understanding, the healing of my family, physical healing for my husband and I, and financial relief.  If you would like to join me as I go forward in this season of praying and fasting, or if you would like for me to explain a bit more regarding the two, please feel free to leave me a message or email me and I will be sure to respond.

 

God Bless U

Today

 

Be encouraged today warriors!  It's Tuesday, I know there is a long way to go in the week before the weekend, but ask God to open your eyes t o the fruit in the week.  We all rush to the weekend, that's often over to soon.  Make the most of your days, not just your weekends.  God works all the time, His glory, beauty, and majesty is ever present.  Stop, look at yourself, your surroundings , and find something you enjoy. Behold the beauty of His creation and move in purpose to be productive in that creation.  We have what we say, we are what we think, we manifest what we believe.  So believe today that this day is going to be a great day. Believe that this week, will be a great week.  Remember God is on the Throne, so we're already winning!

In the Paths of God

Good morning!  I pray all is going well with you today and if it's not I pray God's grace and mercy upon you right now.  (Agree with me in Jesus Name, Amen.)  I was praying this morning and I want to share with you one of the last parts of my prayer.  My words to God was "let me walk safely in your paths".  Right then and there I received a revelation that God has a path He has set out just for us.  we all know that we have individual walks, but did you ever think God has some avenues He has set up just for us to walk down.  For instance, we may be believing God for the better job. But what if you get the job offer and God tells you to stay where you are?  It seems you should take the "better job", but what if God is saying He has a work for you to do right where you are and the real "better: is coming later!  Or perhaps you think you should do a certain thing, but God nudges you in a different direction.  Because He knows what's best for us, and how our tomorrows will work out while we are still dealing with our yesterdays, we have to trust Him and the paths He has for us. Your path is not mine, and mine isn't yours. We may cross each other's paths from time to time, they may even run parallel for a season or even a lifetime, but these paths are just for you and the Father. The bible has much to say about our paths.  One scripture says,

 "Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established."  Proverbs 4:26

another says,

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" Psalms 119:105

There are many roads that lead to a lot of places, but the safest and most prosperous one is the one God Himself puts you on.  I encourage all of you to stop and say a quick prayer right now, and simply ask God to direct you in HIS paths.

God Bless U

Don't Give Up on God

Life is hard.  I said... Life is HARD!!!   There is nothing wrong with saying that.  Life can also be easy, beautiful, terrible, awesome, amazing, and the list goes on.  Sometimes though, it's simply hard.  When you are trying to live your life in accordance with the Word of God, we often find that it seems hard to do. It can be hard to know the right thing to do, hard to put that right thing into practice, hard to remain there, and even hard to move on to the next right thing.  But, we have to know that those are the times that we should be encouraged that we are on the right track.  The Bible tells us that we will go through tests and trials.  They are there to help us grow, increase or faith, deepen our relationship with the Father, and bring God the Glory. Know that in these times God wants you to persevere.  He will take care of everything, He just wants you to have a little faith.  Know that though people may have gave up on you in the past and circumstances may not have worked out in your favor, He has not given up on you.  He is there cheering you on, right along side you, removing road blocks, blocking the darts of the enemy.  They may come close, but they will not defeat you.  I just want to encourage you in this; God has not given up on you, so don't give up on God!

God Bless U

When To Do is Too Much

Did you know that when you get overwhelmed because you have so much to do the vest thing to do is nothing?  I'm not saying be lazy and ignore your responsibilities, I'm saying stop what you are doing, breathe, regroup, harness some strength for the task ahead.  The scripture tells us to be anxious for nothing.  it then goes on to say that with prayer and supplication let your request be made known unto God through prayer and supplication. 

I have found myself overwhelmed with "to dos" today.  So much so, that to think about it puts me into a bad head space.  So I decided to stop and share with you, now I'm going to take my to dos to my Father, ask him for the strength, grace, and mercy that is required to be successful in this season, and then I'm going to sit and take a moment o myself before I get started. 

Be encouraged that GOD is able, even when we are not.

God Bless U

Don't Use God

As a pastor I'm often saddened when people have expectations of God, but expect Him to have no expectation of them.  He's no short order cook, this is not Burger King, no you can not have it your way. It's His way and there is an order to His Kingdom. 

Often people expect God to work a miracle and then allow them to go on about their business. But when you call on God you are calling on all existence. You are calling on Time and asking that He stop and take notice, it's not to be taken lightly. You have to do your part. You have to take care of His business, as He takes care of yours.  If you won't show up for God, know that He did not fail you when He doesn't show up in the place you have summoned Him. His perceived absence IS your answer.

Let's all take a look at our spiritual life road maps. How far have you traveled? How long have you been on the road?  How many mountains and valleys have you conquered? Where are you headed? And most importantly Who is your travel companion???

God is faithful to His children. We need to make sure that despite what is going on in our lives that we are and remain faithful to Him.

God Bless U

Stay Planted

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."    Psalms 1:1-4

Stay planted warriors,  God will take care of EVERYTHING, just stay close to HIM!

Late Night, Early Morning

I've been going, going, going, nonstop for the past couple of weeks. Often I've found myself loosing sleep, thinking about my situation or circumstances. I'm up now and it's 1:03 in the morning. My mind is plagued with the desire to work on the book God has entrusted to me. I also want to work harder on this blog,  get things together for the marriage ministry my husband and I lead. There is plenty to do.  There always will be.  It's about perspective. God knows or ability before He ever equips you with a task.  So trust His plans,  and not your own. On that note,  I am now encouraged to enter into His rest . I will be going to bed now! Thank you Jesus! After all this has been a late night and I have an early morning! 😉

God Bless U

Wise Words from CS Lewis

Don't ask God to remove the hard parts, they are for your making. Ask God to help you through them, to mold you along the way, and to reveal His heart in the process.
-Christina

God isn't Gas, He's Oil

Often times people want to use God as a filling station. They come get filled up and replenished, then they aren't heard from again until their empty, needing to be filled again.  I know some say what's wrong with that. But ask yourself would you only want people to come see you when they need something. No nobody would. So why do we do God that way?

We have to start caring about how we treat the most important relationship in our lives.  We have to remember God isn't gas, He's Oil!  Think about it, gas runs out in your car constantly, but oil keeps you going and has staying power. You may need to replenish every now and again, but it keeps the car running day after day, year after year. We don't want to run on half, or quarter tanks of gas, we want to be full of the Oil that flows! 

God Bless U

You Said It

Speak it and it shall be so. 

 Do you believe that?

  If you don't, you should. 

 

 

 

 

I know you have heard the saying " what you say is what you will have".  A lot of times people relate that to financial situations or hopes of getting what they want.  But really that goes for everything. Every aspect of our lives can be determined by what we say about it.  If you've followed my writings then you know one of my favorite things to encourage is "speak life".  I mention this over and over again for a reason.  We have to be careful, meaning take CARE regarding the things we say.  The bible tells us that out the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).  In other words what we care about, what means the most to us, is what we talk about. 

 

Going further; not only what we speak is of importance, but also what we say about it. Negative people always produce negative situations. People who make a choice to speak positively, even in less favorable situations, have better outcomes. The things we say matter.  God is listening, He hears every word. More importantly he has read what your heart holds regarding that situation before you even open your mouth.  It's important to speak positive, to speak life.  I often think of the account of Ezekiel and how God demonstrated the power of words.  Of course there are other lessons in this passage of scripture, but let's focus on what effect speaking life (positivity) has.

 

" The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones.  He caused me to pass among them round about, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley; and lo, they were very dry.  He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” Again He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.’ Thus says the Lord God to these bones, ‘Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life.  I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive; and you will know that I am the Lord.’”

 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.  And I looked, and behold, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them.  Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they come to life.”’”  So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.   (Ezekiel 37:1-10)

This passage of scripture has a lot of good teaching in it.  But again what we are focusing on is what God tells Ezekiel to do, and then what happens when he does it.  God told Ezekiel to prophesy.  He was basically telling him to speak to the bones and to speak breath.  God told Ezekiel to SPEAK LIFE!!!   Ezekiel did what he was told to do in the vision and as a result God would restore Israel.  This is the same thing for us today.  If we would prophesy, speak life to every aspect of our lives, then God will listen, restore,and bless.

I want to mention one more scripture to help you start to care more about what you say.  Mark 11:23 says, "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith”.  So be encouraged to throw away the negativity.  Don't think your words don't have consequences.  Parents speak into your children's lives.  If you say mean things in the heat of the moment it matters.  If you've ever spitefully called your children lazy, stupid, dumb, ignorant, selfish, etc.  That matters.  If you've said those same things about yourself or others, it matters.  Those words don't just go away.  The pile up and become great big road blocks in your lives and the lives of those you spoke them about.

Being aware of the things we say can be one of the best things we can do for ourselves in this Christian walk.  For me, I've noticed how much better my outlook and attitude is throughout the day.  I encourage you to speak positivity, because what we speak we shall have.

~God Bless U



Joy Everlasting

I wanted to quickly encourage you today to be happy on purpose. No matter what's going on around you, or what's going wrong in your life, choose how you decide to look at it.  There are so many negative things that happen in the world, but we get to make the decision on how it affects us.  I received some troubling news today, and usually it would have been enough to keep me sour all day.  But, I remembered the scripture that says "speak those things that are not as though they are". So I decided to speak life to a dying situation. And what I found was I was encouraged to look at that situation differently. Instead of being in despair, I was empowered by the Word of God and the joy and peace it brings. It wasn't necessarily that the outcome changed, but my mindset did. I remembered that all things work out for my good and that God will supply my every need. 

I chose to keep my joy. I chose to stay in the light instead of being pulled down to darkness.  I don't believe life is about being happy all the time, but God does wants us to be happy. So much so that He gives us a greater gift than happiness... JOY!  Joy is what we have, when happiness just won't do. I'm happy when I get to the beach, or when I recieve something I've been praying for.  I have joy when I'm at the beach, and when I can't get there because of circumstances and life. I have joy when things are not going great, but I'm sure God has my back. 

 

What I've found is that joy is everlasting.  When we say to God I want to be happy, he gives us a measure of joy to sustain us between those times and  during.  So I encourage you to be happy on purpose, because God has something so much better in store.

 



~God Bless U

On A Personal Note...

I don't think I ever really write anything about myself. Today I want to share with you an area I am asking God to sharpen in me.  I need God and am believing for Him to equip me to believe in myself. 

I have enough self esteem to fool people most of the time, but never enough to fool myself any of the time.  What I mean is that lately I find self doubt a part of my thoughts more that I find self assurance.  This was once something I struggled with in childhood and I'm not entirely sure I've gotten over it.  As a matter of fact, I know I haven't.  I'm not talking about the kind of self esteem that gages how cute I am or if a boy thinks I'm worth talking to. That I have no problem with, and... well...that husband of mine is stuck with me!   I'm talking about the kind of self esteem that accepts I'm nothing apart from Christ, but also knows I'm everything in Him because of Him. I know that He didn't save me to leave me and forget about me and every situation that I will ever face.  But I find myself feeing unworthy and sometimes even helpless because of history.  On top of this comes guilt, because I know better.  I know that God loves me.  I know He has a plan for me.  I know it's not me that makes me worthy, but the grace and mercy that He gives me freely. 

So why can't I get it together?  Because sometimes even I;  the person that takes care of everyone else, that prays for others, that's always discarded until somebody wants a word from God; needs to be encouraged and reminded that God's grace is sufficient and that it's okay for me to matter.  Also, that every promise that God has made to me will come to pass.  I also need to be reminded that Satan wants to bring me down and ruin the relationship that I have with God.  But, I'm also reminded that he's a liar and a thief.  God has the final say and He's there to help his children along the way.  He won't even suffer one of us to be lost. (Thank you Jesus)

I thank God right now for this.  I wasn't sure what I was writing when I opened my computer, but I see now that God wanted to minister to me.  I needed to be able to see what He has been speaking so clearly in my ear.  I do believe that God has great things for me, my family, and my ministry.  I also know that if I can hold on a little longer it will come to pass.  If anyone reading this finds themselves attacked on every side, finds that the old things that used to plague you have shown back up from out of nowhere, I encourage you to take it to God in prayer right now.  Remember that the bible calls Satan a worthy adversary, because he plays dirty and he will do everything to deceive you and have you focused on the wrong thing.  Just remember to always enquire of the Father and He will direct your paths.  Tell the enemy, no way, he's a liar, and you refuse to play his dirty games.  Start to call out the promises of God in your life, speak life, health, favor, and blessings over yourself daily. Believe that you are as precious as God says you are.  That you matter to Him, so you better start mattering to yourself .  Know that there is nothing wrong with knowing who you are and whose you are.  You are a better person for it.   This advice I write is to myself first.  And I plan to walk in it right this moment!

After writing this I feel so encouraged to run on in the faith,  I hope you do too!

~God Bless U

Don't Give Up

I just want to quickly encourage you all to not give up.  So many times we are right on the edge of our breakthrough and because we loose steam, loose the fight, or stop pressing, we never get what God has right around the corner for us.  Ecclesiastes 9:11 says:
 "The race is not given to the swift nor the strong but he who endures until the end."

God would not admonish us to have endurance if we didn't need it.  He doesn't want us to give up!  If you just hold on a little longer, the blessing of the Lord is sure to overtake you.

Here's what I want to share with you today.  Do you know that the enemy gets busier as you get closer to God and what He has for you?  His number one priority is to keep you from getting there.  He wants to keep you depressed, oppressed, discouraged, downtrodden, impoverished, and useless. This keeps you from realizing who you are in Christ, who you are to God, and who God is to you.  Don't let him win.  Keep fighting! Keep believing!  Keep striving!  Don't give up!!!

Think of what would have happened if Abraham had given up, or King David, or Elijah, or most of all Jesus.  But they did not.  Jesus did not throw the baby out with the bath water, He suffered and endured for us.  As a matter of fact, He did it just for YOU!  So I encourage you to endure the sufferings and persecutions a little longer. Withstand the attacks of the enemy.  The Apostle Paul said  ^"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us", in Romans 8:18.  In other words nothing can compare to what God has coming up for you.  Believe that, stand on that, proclaim that, and don't give up!

~God Bless U

Challenges

I have to tell you all that over the last two weeks I've faced some pretty hard challenges.   I'm pursuing my degree on Communications and I'm almost there.  I have 20 more credit hours to go. Along with school, I work a full time job, full time ministry, husband, and 4 children. I've had finals, baseball games, recital pictures, illness, etc. My life is busy to say the least.  Sometimes it gets harder than usual, sometimes I get worn out, and sometimes I can't see my way through.  That's when life itself becomes a challenge.

Challenges seem like they come to throw you off, get you off track, but I encourage you today to think about the hurdles in your life differently.  God implored me to take a second look at what I was going through, and then He told me they wouldn't take me out... the test, trials, hurdles,  challenges I face would make me better.  Yes, you read right!  Without Jesus those things would have killed you, kept you in poverty, depression, and bandage. But you have everthing you need with God.  And so do I.

When I started to see my challenges differently, instead of dreading them and feeling defeated, I rose to the challenge. I looked at the situations in my life and I thought about every other challenge that God has brought me out of and found strength  and peace in the trust I have that He can bring me out of these situations too!  The Word of God tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding".  Trust is the key! Trust that the challenge is not what you are facing. The real challenge is to trust God and rely on Him no matter good times or bad, because He has a plan for you!  Do that, succeed in that, and you can conquer everything else that comes your way. Just keep the faith and stay trusting Jesus!

God Bless U

Trust God

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”. 

I was up early this morning working on a chapter of my book and this is one of the scriptures God gave me.  At a time like this I find it to be great comfort and encouragement that He has my life in His hands and that He's just as concerned about what I'm concerned about.  Thank you Jesus, for covering me, for strengthening me, and for loving me. 

I want to remind you all the there is no better place to be than in the Will of God.  You can be sure that He has mapped out ever contingency, ever turn, and every road for you.  He wants us to believe in Him and know that He has the best plan. Don't waste your days worrying and questioning God about your life.  Just trust Him to lead and guide you to greener and more fruitful pastures.  Remember the wilderness experience with the children of Israel?  Joshua 5:6 and Numbers 32:13 tells us they moved about in the wilderness for 40 years  because of their murmuring and complaining, and their unbelief which caused God's anger. Don't be like them! Trust that God will lead you, and trust Him to prosper you, and trust Him to strengthen you and to be with you always. 

I encourage you today in this,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. 
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

God Bless U

Tonight's Prayer

The Lord is my Sheppard
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in still  waters
He restores my soul.
He leads me in the path of righteousness
for His name sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I shall fear no evil.
For You are with me
Your rod and Your staff,  they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever,
Amen.

*23 Psalms was on my heart tonight. It is a timely prayer, no matter the situation or circumstance. Pray it in heart felt sincerity and experience what God has set aside especially for you.

God Bless U

Keep Believing

Hey everyone!  I just want to quickly encourage you to keep beleiving!!!  All of us have something we are hoping and believing God for. And often times if it doesn' t happen how we want it to, or when we think it should, we loose hope and our belief diminishes. 

Don't do it!!! Instead when you feel like it's near hopeless, that's the time to step it up and increase your faith.  I can't say it enough Keep Believing!!!

There are many scriptures regarding belief. But today I leave you with this one:

" For the Lord God is a sun and shield: theLord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."  Psalms 84:11

God Bless U

Count it All Joy

I attended a funeral today and found I had a few things on my mind.  I didn't know the deceased very well, but some members of her family are very near and dear to me.  I found myself sitting among those grieving and asking God to just help them. Help them get through this day, help them get through their grief, and to help them heal in every part of their lives.  In asking God to help them it made me take account of just how helpless I was feeling in the situation.  I was among these hurting people and there was nothing I could do to take their pain away, after all there is no real humanly comfort in death.  That kind of comfort is spiritual and it comes from God. I really started to pray and ask God to reveal His Word to me in this and it wasn't until I sat down to share with you all that I caught it real good.  The scripture of James 1:5 keeps coming to my mind, "Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."  The part that really resonates with me is the count it ALL joy.  In other words not just the good times, or happy times, but all times. 

 

As I started to meditate on this I began to ask God how can I find joy in a funeral and people's grief?  Then He began to show me that many things take place during these sad occasions.  Often times funerals and births have a way of healing rifts in the family. They bring people closer.  They also remind us of our humanness.  If we have distorted our focus to the world these occasions serve to put our focus back where it belongs. On GOD.  People rededicate themselves to God , so that they are found ready when their departure comes and some just come to realize that death is not something to fear, but to learn that it too is part of the plan in God's will.    Grief certainly has it's place, but God wants us to lean on Him for strength and healing.  Also lend your ear to what He may be speaking in these types of seasons.  Remember that all things work for the good of those that love God and that are the called to His purpose. 

 

God Bless U

True Love

Is love enough for you???

Take a minute and think about it.  This is a good question to ponder because it forces you to really think about love. As I was thinking about this it forced me to recognize two things:

1. God's love is different from humanly love
2. Love is very complex

What I mean is this, my husband tells me he loves me. He provides for me, and we live together, and we coparent.  But, that's not enough for me. I require compassion, time, kind words, passion, romantic gestures, etc to feel love. This is what it takes for me to believe my husband loves me.

Now, I evaluated my relationship with God and found that I needed the same security to believe He loved me also. God's love is pure, He never fails to complement me, to think of me, and to let me know He cares. His love is so great that He doesn't even let my husband forget to do the same.

John 3:16, tells us that "God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son".  That's  selfless, unashamed, agape love. And that is certainly enough for me.

Many times in this life we are so unsatisfied, but I encourage you to think on the love of Jesus, think about all that He's done and know that that's what true love looks like!!!

God Bless

I Love Him!!!

I often think about what it is I can write to you that will encourage you, console you, and help you stay on the right path.  I often get stuck because I feel like my words are inadequate, that they don't do God the justice He so deserves.  But as I was sitting here getting ready to go to bed, thinking about how I've wrote nothing and I got the overwhelming feeling to share what was in my mind.  I simply wanted to shout how much I love God!!!

So I'm doing just that. See He's working this thing out in me right before all of our very eyes. As much as I want to have it all together, the truth is I don't. I struggle everyday on how I can do more for Christ, on how I can make a difference in the Kingdom.   I'm starting to get the message that  God don't need me to prove anything to anybody. All He requires is that I live each day toward Him and that I put into practice those things He's outlined for us. Things like lovingkindness, gentleness, mercy, grace...  and of course the most important is that I have a relationship with Him.

Back to my reason for writing this post. I do truly love Him. I first loved God at a young age. Then I put that love away for awhile. Then I fell in love with Him again for keeping me, and answering my prayer for children. I later learned to trust Him for my marriage. I think this is where I learned sincere love. The love I had before was child like love. It was about what God did for me.  Later it became what He was to me. Or more to the point who I  was with Him.  I learned to lean on Him, talk to Him, and before long I realized I was in a full fledge relationship with Jesus. And it's been the best thing to ever happen to me. I tried the other way and I'm not gonna lie and say it wasn't fun, free, and invigorating. But... it was empty. It was moment to moment,  and there was nothing behind it.

With God I'm secure, my family is firm, and my faith is strong .  Life still has it's issues, that's life, but there is nothing like having an insurance plan. To know everything is going to be fine, that no matter what may come joy is still waiting on me in the morning!  That kind of security only comes from God!  And not from His hand, but from seeking His face. I love God, because He is for me. And it's just that simple. When no one else was on my side He was. When I was a teenager, going through a world of hurt. When I found out I had no father to claim as my own at the age of 5, God still took care of me. When I was doing everything in my power to help Satan work his plan for me, God still loved me enough not to throw me away.  That's love. And I'm going to do everything in my power to let God know I love Him right back! 

God Bless U

The Perfect Time

I just got home from my daughters' recital and was in my room finally exhaling from all that's on my to do list. No, it's not Friday, it's actually Monday. I know what you're thinking... it's the beginning of the week why am I exhaling like it's over! Right???  Well anyone who has kids, knows that when they finish a big event, in my case the recital, it's like finishing a marathon it doesn't matter what day it is!

Anyway as I was exhaling from being exhausted it dawned on me that it's  Holy Week. Yesterday was the day Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. I immediately felt a shift in my spirit. A reference for this time period. This is the week Jesus decided to die for me. And you too. I think about all that Jesus went through this week, all that He had yet to endure on this Monday so long ago. It brings me to a mind of worship. Worship is all we have to give for a debt we can never repay. Sometimes thinking about Jesus on His last week on Earth makes me sad. I hate what He endured for man. For people that won't love Him back the way He loves us. But thrn, it makes me love Him even harder, press a little longer, and try even more in my walk. 

One of the main things that comes to my mind, is that I imagine there were probably a thousand more things that Jesus could have done before enduring the Cross. More people to heal, more to deliver and set free, another Mary and Martha to visit, another Zachheus in need of guidance. There was definitely more to do. But Jesus went to do the ultimate thing that would save, heal, deliver, and help all of us!  He paid the price for our sins! Jesus accomplished so much in His time on this Earth. He never put off a visit, He never denied His service to those that were sincere. He was a man with the ultimate to do list and that didn't stop Him from taking care of the Father's business.

My point is... don't put off til tomorrow what can be accomplished today. Jesus is the only man on this Earth that never ran out of time. Ever hour and minute of His life was appointed by God. But we in our humaness can and do lose time. We can get so busy with so much stuff that what needs to be done goes undone. Keep the main thing, the main thing. Jesus gave us priority, we should surely do the same. Take this week to meditate on the Word, talk to God. Tell Him thank you for His Son and the price that was paid on Calvary just for you.

God Bless U

***the beginning of Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday.  You can read the account starting at Matthew 21:1

Faith in Action

Struggles come to wear us down and to make us feel like all hope is gone.  Whether your struggle is with your family, on your job, bills, school, health, physical challenges, or anything else. I want to encourage you that your breakthrough has to be steeped in hope!

Hope is faith in action.  Think about this... have you been out in public and watched a kid get excited about something, then run over to their parent jumping up and down asking can they have whatever it is?  That's the concept of faith in action. Hope!  The kid believes the parent will get them what they want, so they are actively anticipating receiving it. That's HOPE!

The key to overcoming those struggles that come to weigh you down, throw you off course, and remove you from your destiny is your faith in action. The Word tells us Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy. That's true, he comes to kill your dreams, steal your joy, and destroy your hope. Don't let him!  You have the power to overcome every obstacle that gets in your way!  Just don't lose hope!

In this world we are taught to be critical and doubt everything. That is the enemy's biggest trick. Unbelief will, can, and tries to take everything from its victim.  Have you ever met a person that just didn't believe anything. Couldn't take your word for nothing. You could say " it's such a nice day outside". But before you can form your next sentence they replied " I don't know, it looks like rain to me"! Unbelief is miserable.  And it keeps the company of hurt, pain, and deceit.

But Hope!  Hope opens doors. Hope brings life. It brings fullness of joy. With hope you are an overcomer! You're more than a conquer! 

Now don't just hope for anything!  And hope isn't about wants. You can hope for a fancy red car, but that won't bring you life. Lol. No, what you hope for is Jesus. Everything is found in Him! When we have faith in God, and we put that faith into action and place our hope in all that He is, all that He has for us, and who we can become in Him our situations start to change. Our struggles don't have the same hold on us as before.  We come to understand that He supplies everything that we need and we can turn that struggle over to Him. After all there is nothing too big for God. Unbelief binds, but Jesus frees!

I dare you to hope. I dare you to try God at His Word. I promise if you do, you'll never be the same again. All it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed, and God will respond with a whole orchard worth of love and power!  Put your faith in action, and let the hope flow!  He's waiting.

~God Bless U

A Quick Reminder

I often struggle with what is profitable to blog. I never want to just write for the sake of publishing a post, or throw something together. I always look to be found downloading from heaven. Not my will, but God's will be done. 

Just this morning I realized God's not going to say write this especially for All things by Prayer! When He told me to start this blog he made it real clear that this would be a journey for those that come across it and for me. It would be my experiences, steeped in scripture that would provide the context for this blog. Thank you Jesus, for insight, for settling me down to receive and be reminded of your purpose. I thank you for the opportunity to share your Word and spread the Truth! 

Be encouraged man, woman, or child that has come to read this. The lesson:  God's not always going to show you the grand purpose of things. Some things He calls you to do may even seem small and useless against this great big world.  But be encouraged to just play your part! He knows better, and has better than what we can ever imagine.  Just ask Naaman!

Too Important to Wait!

I want to apologize.  I apologize because I have not kept my commitment to this blog.  Which really means I haven't kept my commitment to God.  I got so busy in the beginning of the year and I started telling myself that I would get back to blogging as soon as I could clear some things up, as soon as I got some things out of the way, as soon as my life settled down, etc.  Then I was listening to a sermon by Bishop TD. Jakes and something he said came to convict me and push me into action.  He said "you will die waiting on the right time/the right conditions to do sometthing"!  He used the Apostle Paul as an example. Bishop Jakes spoke of how he (Paul) was being punched in the face while he was making a difference in the churches and cities he went to.  He didn't get to wait for things to calm down or for the optimum conditions, he worked to the glory of God in whatever state he found himself in.  And that's what got me back on the street called Straight!   I was so busy thinking if I could just make it through one thing I could get to another.  Soon a week became two weeks, two weeks four, and so on.  

So now that I have received my deliverance, I want you to receive yours!  Don't miss the blessing in the messing!  God blesses us through our experiences, labors, and deeds.  Just think of the rich lessons I could have shared if I would have been writing for these last couple of weeks. Imagine what would have happened if Jesus would have put off going through Samaria for a more favorable time.  Or Jerusalem for that matter!  When God has ordained you to do something, when it's the season, do it without delay.  It is the enemy's plan to keep you from your destiny and I'm here to tell you that one of the biggest tricks is to get you so busy that you start putting God's business on the back burner!

Proverbs 10:4 says "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich".  We should be found doing.  Doin what?  Doing all that God has called us to do.  What have you dreamed about, what are you believing for God to bring to pass in your life?  Did you know it starts with you???  God is ready, willing, and able to act on your behalf, but you have to be ready to move.  The Word says in Phillipians,  " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".  The first word is the key-word; I.  If I (YOU) will do it (actively get up; get ready, start moving) God will provide the strength (grace, favor, and mercy) to bring it to pass in your life.

So be encouraged my sisters and brothers, God has a plan for us.  He wants you to try new things, experience what's out there, and take on new challenges.  Never let the busyness of life keep you from the life God intended you to live. Go be bold, tell the Lord yes, and start running! I promise nothing can stop you with God on your side.  The thins God has for you to do is too important to wait!!!


~God Bless You

1st Sunday 2016

Happy New Year All!!!

With the arrival of the New Year we have an opportunity.   We can decide to do it better this time.  What is "it"?   Whatever you feel can be done better than you did it before.   In my case, "it" to me is everything!   I plan to do a lot of things better. I endeavor to be a better wife, mother, friend, sister, laborer, minister, etc. 

There is no need for new years resolutions,  when God gives you a new mercy every morning.  What the new year brings is an opportunity to mark a reference point on your progress chart.   You have the opportunity to look back on 2015 and  assess where you've been, what you've done, how you've grown, and the areas that could use more growth.  The important thing,  is that you are continually growing in Jesus. 

A great scripture to meditate on is Luke 22:42.
"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."

In this passage Jesus is praying to God about the gigantic task before Him... the Cross. Though He is completely divine, His human nature doesn't want to have to go through the devastation, pain, and turmoil He's about to endure on humanity's behalf.  He prays about it,  asking to be relieved, but in the end He boldy and bravely proclaims (*one of my favorite references and mantras of scripture) Nevertheless!!!  Not my will but your will be done! 

How awesome, how glorious, and what an example! Jesus, knew that He was the only One that was fit for the job.  So, though He, like any other person, would have rather not had to go through the unthinkable, He was so devoted to God that He
forsook what He most wanted and desired for what God wanted.  This is the same kind of devotion we should be pressing toward!

And then comes the reward...
When you reevaluate and start to pinpoint the areas to grow in, God is pleased. The Word of God says He's a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).  When we try harder in God, He helps us and rewards us for our diligence.  Looking back on my own list,  I've found that the greatest reward is realizing that I'm not the person I used to be.  It signifies that I'm getting closer to the person God has called me to be.

May 2016 bring you closer to who God had called you to be,  to who and what He has called you to, and from what He had called you from!

~GOD Bless U