The Joy of the Lord......

Well Praise the Lord!

I don’t know about you, but I am so happy to know Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. There is truly nothing that I’ve ever experience that can compare with having Him in my life. The Word of God tells us, warns us that we will have trials and tribulation, BUT be of good cheer for He, Jesus, has already overcame the world, and so will we. As I’ve written before, I believe the Word of God, the Bible, is the truth, so this is true too. The Word of God tells that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Just think about it…….. The joy of knowing Jesus is who He says He is, and that He can do the things the Word says He can do gives me strength. Knowing that He will never leave me gives me strength, knowing that He is for me gives me strength, knowing that He is on my side gives me strength. Some things we go through can make us feel alone and defeated, but I know that though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Jesus is with me; this strengthens me. Knowing that He loved me so much that He laid down His life for me strengthens me – gives me cause to go on.

We have been made more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We WIN!! Knowing that I have VICTORY in every battle gives me great joy. I will serve Jesus all the days of my life. He alone is worthy of my praise. I watch a lot of movies with my children. We had the “Lion King” in the truck DVD player for a long time, and there is a song called “Hakuna Matata”. As I was singing along, I heard “Jesus is your hakuna matata”. You know the song says “Hakuna Matata means no worries for the rest of your days. It’s my problem free, philosophy – Hakuna Matata.” Having Jesus as Lord and Savior means we can be worry free for the rest of our days. The Word of God tells me that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that rises up against me in judgment shall be proven to be wrong; I’ll condemn it. This is my heritage as a servants of the Lord, and my righteousness is of Him. Yes, weapon (trials, problems, troubles, tribulations) will be formed (they will come), but I’m the righteous, I’m a daughter of the Most High God; I don’t have to worry. These weapons will not prosper against me. I have a problem-free philosophy, and His name is Jesus. I’m not saying that things (trials/problems) that come will not give me pause or I won’t have “worry-thoughts” come to my mind. What I am saying is that even when the trial and bad thoughts come, I know that I can stand on the Word of God. I know from experience that God’s Word works. When trials come, the enemy will try to feed you a bunch of lies, but when you know and have the truth on the inside of you, he CAN NOT prevail. My being able to turn and rely on Jesus gives me strength to withstand the lies/tricks of the enemy.

Even when it looks as though we’ve lost and it seems impossible for us to win, God ALWAYS makes a way – He does! There is NOTHING impossible with God for those who believe He is who He says He is and He can do what the Word says He can do. I do! This gives me strength. All I have to do is walk upright before Him, trust Him/His Word and love. What a JOY for those who truly belong to the Lord. I might not have as much money as some or own my own home (but I will), but I have Jesus. One thing I know is that all the money, fine houses or success in the world can’t get me to Heaven, but I know Jesus as Lord and Savior can – that’s what matters. If I die or the rapture happens, I won’t be able to take any of these worldly possession acquired with me. Let me say there is absolutely nothing wrong with having great possession; I intend on having all that God says I have, but what is the use in having great possessions and not having the one thing that truly matters –a relationship with Jesus! Money can't heal you when you are sick or love you when you're alone/feel alone - Jesus can and will. It is a never-ending joy that no one can take away.

Remember there's a sinner's prayer on this site. If you have back-slid or haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is Good, then say this prayer. You don't have to be in a church building to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. There is a moment that will happen, and it will happen in a twinkling of an eye (as fast as you can blink), and those who have confessed Jesus as Lord and have walked according to the Word of God will be raptured up to be with Him forever and ever. Yes, it sounds too fantastical to be real, but don't take the chance that it's not and be left behind. So don't put this off. No one knows the hour or the day when this will take place, but it is for us to be ready when it's time to go. The first step is to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you say this prayer, contact me; let me welcome you and personally encouraged you in your new life with Jesus!

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Only YOU!

Well praise the Lord. I am always going to remind you of that moment in a twinkling of an eye that we are or should be preparing and pressing towards when we hear the call “come up hither”. It will happen, and I want to tell as many people as I can to be ready and how to be ready – to make Jesus Christ Lord and Savior. There is NO other way – Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, no man can come unto the Father God except through Christ (John 14:6). It is so easy to know Him. Once you’ve settled it that you are going all the way with Jesus (you have to make this decision), all you have to do is confess the Lord Jesus as Savior, believe in your heart that He died on the cross for you, and that He arose of that third glorious day, then you are saved (Romans 10:9,10). This prayer is also on this site; tell someone. Once you’ve done this, it’s up to you to cultivate/maintain your relationship with Jesus. I thank God for all the pastors and other ministers (five-fold ministry – Ephesians 4:10-12). Their job is so important. It’s not only up to them to preach the uncompromising truths of God’s Word, but it’s up to you to get in the Word yourself. Bring you Bible to church, read along with the pastor and take notes. Now I do understand for those who have small children that it can sometimes be difficult to do this all the time; I now have to deal with this. But we are still responsible for the Word that we’ve heard. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a supernatural understanding of that Word, write it on the tablets of your heart so that it can be ever ready to spoken out towards your situation and circumstances. You have to know the Word of God for yourself. Pastor won’t always be there or available. You won’t always have time to go and get a Bible. You have to know the Word of God!

I want to stress to you that ONLY YOU can make sure you’re ready for that moment. You can’t ride on momma’s, grandma’s and daddy’em prayers anymore. They can pray that you come to the realization that you need Jesus, but ONLY YOU can accept Him as Lord and Savior. My husband can’t pray me into Heaven or I him. You’ve heard of the story of the five (5) foolish brides/virgins (Matthew 25); they waited too long to prepare for the coming of the bridegroom (Jesus). They didn’t have enough oil (anointing = Word = God/Jesus) in their lives, and He came while they were out getting the oil/Word they needed. They didn’t make it! Some of us, if we do not get ready and prepare, are not going to be ready when He calls “Come up hither”. It will be a sad, sad day indeed for many. YOU prepare! Now is the acceptable hour. NO ONE can get YOU to Heaven; NO ONE can prepare you for the moment that will happen in a twinkling of an eye (as fast as you can blink – we’ll be gone!) ONLY YOU! Get Ready!

Remember there's a sinner's prayer on this site. If you have back-slid or haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is Good, then say this prayer. You don't have to be in a church building to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. There is a moment that will happen, and it will happen in a twinkling of an eye (as fast as you can blink), and those who have confessed Jesus as Lord and have walked according to the Word of God will be raptured up to be with Him forever and ever. Yes, it sounds too fantastical to be real, but don't take the chance that it's not and be left behind. So don't put this off. No one knows the hour or the day when this will take place, but it is for us to be ready when it's time to go. The first step is to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you say this prayer, contact me; let me welcome you and personally encouraged you in your new life with God!

Did you put your armor on today????

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Truth or Fiction?

Well Gloorrry Hallelujah! Jesus is Alive! And those of us who keep our minds stayed upon Him, He will keep in perfect peace. We serve an AWESOME God! He along is worthy of our praise.

Do you actually believe God's Word is truth or fiction? I can say for myself that I have always believed and still believe that God's Word, the Bible, is truth. Some think that the Bible is full of "feel good, positive stories" to motive us to do good. Some think that some of the stories are too far-left to actually be true. But as a Christian, as a true believer of God's Word, I believe even those that would defy the laws of reasonable, natural thinking to be truth. Take for instance the story of Moses dividing the Red Sea. To the natural mind, there is no way that this could have occurred. But I know in my heart and believe with every fiber of my being that this story is truth. This is not just a good "bedtime" story; it actually happened. And no, I wasn't there, but if it's in the Word of God, the Bible, then it is truth. This is how some people view the Word of God - just a book full of good stories. They don't actually believe that these things happened. There is nothing that the God I say I serve can't do. He can and is still doing the impossible for those who believe He can - I believe. You might say I am gulliable and would believe anything, but I know in my heart that God's Word is truth. I have experienced it for myself. I gird the truth of God's Word about the loins of my soul/mind, heart and spirit. I make the choice each day to live by the Truths of God's Word, that which is written in His B-I-B-L-E, and that which I know and believe He says unto me.

You can't just take parts of God's Word that fit your life. You've got to do all that is written there in, in the Bible. So if you lie, cheat, steal, deal in immoral sexual behaviors, kill or whatever, then you're not doing the Word of God. The Word God has set forth concerning these things (lying, cheating stealing,gossipping, back-biting,killing, etc)are fiction to you; they are not the truth. It just sounds good to you, but you're not willing to change and walk according to the truths of God's Word. I'll tell it on myself - when I made up mind, truly made up my mind to go all the way with God and to walk according to His Word, it hurt my flesh, and still does sometimes. Yesterday, I got a book on renewing your mind according to the Word of God, because I want to make sure I am doing I can do to walk this walk of Christianity - and I want to be good and prosper at it; I want God to approve of me. But I understand that it is a daily process; every day Satan is feeding us lies, things that do not line up with the Word of God. The Holy Spirit might tell me to keep quiet, but my flesh say otherwise. But because I know God's Word is truth and I trust that truth, I can hold my peace and let the Lord fight my battles. I win in Jesus Name. Victory is mine! No matter what happens or goes on in my life or any member of my family's life - I still win. Even when it looks like I'm losing or have lost, don't count me out just yet! I serve a God who is known for doing some awesome, impossible things, and He is no respector of persons. If He did it for one, He can and will do it me! Glory Hallelujah! Get bold and get confident in God's Word and His ability to perform that Word. Stay up in the devil's face and say "No, no, no - not here, not today, not EVER! God is for me and I win!"

God is NEVER WRONG! His Word is truth, fair and just, and it should be FINAL AUTTHORITY in Christian lives. His Word says we are more than conquerors, and we are. His Word says we are the healed, and we are. I don't care what my situation/circumstance say, it only matters what the Word of God says concerning me and my family. His Word is truth and It has the final say so! We serve Him because He (Father God) truly does know what is best for us, and we find His BEST in His Word. God and His Word are the same - In the beginning was the Word of God, and the Word was with God and the Word was GOD! Either God/His Word is truth or lies. We, Christians, know who the father of lies really is - Satan. And if you are not walking according to the Word of God, then you are walking according to the ruler of this World System - Satan. If you love the Father God, the giver of life and peace, then treat His Word as absolute TRUTH, and be like Nike and just Do IT - His Word!

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!!

Remember there's a sinner's prayer on this site. If you have back-slid or haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is Good, then say this prayer. You don't have to be in a church building to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. There is a moment that will happen, and it will happen in a twinkling of an eye (as fast as you can blink), and those who have confessed Jesus as Lord and have walked according to the Word of God will be raptured up to be with Him forever and ever. Yes, it sounds too fantastical to be real, but don't take the chance that it's not and be left behind. So don't put this off. No one knows the hour or the day when this will take place, but it is for us to be ready when it's time to go. The first step is to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you say this prayer, contact me; let me welcome you and personally encouraged you in your new life with God!

Sons and Daughters

I was up late the other night; I couldn’t sleep. So I just began to thank the Lord and told Him how much I appreciate Him – you know just loved on Him. I began to listen, and I heard that we are all children of God. We were all made/birth in His image, but we are not all sons and daughters of God. He showed me this in this illustration:

A billionaire father has twelve (12) children, but only four (4) were mature enough to run the family business and would truly enjoy the benefits of the inheritance the father had for the children. These four (4) walked, talked, studied and mimicked their father so they could continue and have the success their father had and had put in place for them to have. The other eight (8) didn’t put forth the time or the effort to truly learn of or from the father. They never really cultivate the relationship with the father. They had access to the father; they saw him in passing. They said their hellos and goodbyes so quickly; they so busy living and enjoying life that they didn’t have the time to spend quality time with the father; after all, he would always be there – he was always there when they needed something. These eight(8) would miss out on the true, full inheritance the father could give them.

Those of us that do our Father God’s Will (His Word) are Sons and Daughters. We who take the time to talk and walk with Him are Sons and Daughters. We who study our Father God and mimic His ways (DWJD – Do What Jesus Did) are Sons and Daughters. Sons and Daughters do not only go to church to be present and hear the Word of God, but allow the seed of the Word heard to go down into their hearts. They begin to water that seed with the Living Water – meditating on it day and night, allowing that seed to grow, to flourish and to produce fruit in their lives. Then they apply the word that they heard and walk it out in their lives. They allow true change to take place by studying and operating the Word of God in their lives. Old things have passed away behold all things have become new.

The “children” grown up and do their own thing, not the Father's. The “children” grow up knowing of the Father, but not knowing Him, and they miss out. They miss out on the true prosperity that God has for them in every area of their lives. Don’t miss out. Allow yourself to mature and grow in the things of God. It is not enough to have said the sinner’s prayer; graduate from spiritual kindergarten; get off the milk. Start walking and talking with the Father. Desire to see His Word manifested in your life. Study Him, His Word, so you can know Him, so you can do what He did so you can enjoy the benefits of His inheritance He has for you.

We all have the opportunity to become Sons and Daughters of God, but we all are not putting forth the time and effort to become Sons and Daughters of God. I know that some of you reading this and are not in agreement with this. Pray about it, and ask the Father. I am interested to know what you think of this. I will share some other things in a separate blog.

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Remember there is a sinner’s prayer on this blog site. This is the first step in preparing for that moment, in a twinkling of an eye. Jesus loves you, and died you that you might have life and that more abundantly.

God Sees You & He's Got You!

Praise the Lord, for His Word is TRUE! I just want to encourage you today to continue to trust God! He always hasten to perform His Word (Jeremiah 1:12). I know that some of you have been standing on God’s Word for a certain situation or thing for a long time, and you have probably begun to wonder if God sees you or if He hears you. You know I can find God in just about anything. I was watching a movie with my daughter called “Horton Hears a Who”, and at the end of the movie the Whos had to make themselves known/heard or they would be destroyed. Every Who began to make some noise; they began to cry out “We Are Here, We Are Here!” Some of us have been crying out to God “I am here, and I need your help!” If you belong to God, He hears you. He knows where you are in your life, and what you are going through. He is an on-time God! He might not come when and/or how you think He should, but He always comes, and delivers/answers you the absolute best way for you. At the very last moment the Whos' cry was heard, and they were saved from destruction. Keep crying out to God; keep speaking His Word out of your mouth concerning your situation!

2 Corthinians 4:17 states (New International Version & Amplified:

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all(NIV).

For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!] (AMP).

When I heard and read this, a big, bright light came on. Ok God, I know that you see me. What should I be learning from this? The Word of God tells us that it rains on the just and the unjust alike (the righteous and the unrighteous) (Matthew 5:45). When it’s our “rainy” season, it is a time for us to develop as Christians, an opportunity for us to go to the next level in Christ. Saying the sinner’s prayer is only the beginning, but God does not want us to remain at level one! It is an opportunity to strengthen our confident trust in God’s ability to perform His Word on our behalf that we speak out of our mouths; that we say we believe. It's an opportunity to grow and for God to show himself real to us and to others.

The next time it starts to “rain” on you, don’t murmur and complain. Go see what God’s Word has to say about the situation; go see what it is you need to do in that situation. Also, do a self-examination of yourself. I do these on a regular basis. I want to make sure that I am in line with God’s Word – doing that which is pleasing in His sight. Make sure you have integrity in all you do and say even in what you think. Always walk upright before God. My pastor has been talking to us about doing the right thing even if it’s unpopular, no matter what others do or say. We as Christians should know right from wrong, and we should always choose to do the right thing. I pray this for me and my family. We have to have integrity. If you say you’re going to do something or go somewhere, then do it – go! Too often we Christian are doing things the way the world does, and we cannot do that! You will hinder/delay your deliverance/answer to your prayers. If somewhere you have done this (not walking in integrity/upright), take it before the Father and ask Him for forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins (1 John 1:9). Know this, He knows if you mean it or not – if you are truly sincere in asking for forgiveness. You can not fool God!

Hold on! Continue to pray, continue to stand on God’s Word, continue to trust that the Almighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, can and will deliver you through and out of any situation VICTORIOUSLY! We Win!

Let me leave you with Proverbs 2:6-10 (AMP):

For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity, That He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and fair dealing [in every area and relation]; yes, you will understand every good path. For skillful and godly Wisdom shall enter into your heart, and knowledge shall be pleasant to you.

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!

Remember there's a sinner's prayer on this site. If you pray this prayer, please contact me. I would love to welcome you into the Kingdom of God, and to encourage you personally from time to time! Remember Jesus loves you, and He wants you!

Unused Word of God

As I wrote to you last week, there is a devil out there that is trying to destroy you. He doesn’t want you to win! He wants you to quit this race. He wants you to give up, be cast down and utterly destroyed. He comes in like a roaring lion seeking those he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). He can come in the form of a person or a situation. We, Christians, are destroyed by our lack of knowledge of God’s Word (Hosea 4:6). And the reason he’s able to come into our lives is because we are not reading (so we can learn), not doing (to build up our faith), and not speaking that which the Word of God says who we are, what we can do and what we can have. I want to talk about two (2) things in God’s Word that we are either not using or not using to the full (not saying or doing it every day). We might not know what the Word of God says or casually use the Word of God or we might not be fully persuaded that God can do it for us. Let’s look at our not being ignorant of the enemy’s devices and the Blood of Jesus.

How often do you thank God that you are not ignorant of the enemy’s devices? Because you have made the decision to follow Christ, you have an enemy called Satan, the devil. He is going to throw everything and use anybody he can to get you away from God, to cause you to quit this race. The Word of God that we speak out of our mouths has the power to destroy the works of the enemy, if we believe that Word.
The enemy’s devices can be a person, current circumstance(s), finances, a past deed or anything. If you can, stay from people who make you angry, and ask God to help you deal with that person. The Word of God says to stay away from things that gender strife (Proverbs 20:3). If you know you’re a sore loser, don’t play games or get involved in this that’s a completion until you are able to do so without becoming angry. But when we recognize or are aware that these things are causing us to react negatively or causing depression, then you can do something about them. We know how to pray and what to ask of the Father. It is a little easier to fight an enemy when you know what weapons he’s using and even easier when we have God on our side. So began to thank God everyday that you are not ignorant of the enemy’s devices. Every day you wake up there are challenges to face and overcome.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you don’t hear about the Blood of Jesus that often. Every time I pray, I plead the Blood of Jesus over my family, over our paths (career paths too), over our home, over the grounds our home sets on, over our property inside and out, over the inside and outside of our bodies, my relationships (with hubby, children and others), over our finances, and the trials and tribulations we go through. Now some of you might be thinking I’m going too far, but I make sure that my family and I are covered. The Blood of Jesus has the power to heal, gives life, power to preserve, power to change, power to protect, to wash away sins and redeem us. But you don’t hear a lot of teaching on the Blood of Jesus in the churches, and I believe that is why a lot of people are not using it. This is a power tool we have to combat the devil; he can’t touch it, and I plead the Blood of Jesus over everything! During the Passover the children of Israel sacrificed a lamb a placed the “blood” over their door so that death would “Passover” them. Jesus is our sacrificial lamb, and His Blood is here for our covering, but how often are you applying that covering to protect you and your family, to preserve/keep your marriage and relationships, to cause change of increase or a change of heart. This powerful tool should be used every day; put on the Armor of God and plead the very Blood of Jesus EVERYDAY!

Don’t allow the enemy, the devil, any ground. Use the Word of God! You shall have what you say, so say that you and/or your family are not ignorant of the enemy’s devices. We’ve been deceived by the devil too long! Let’s use all the arsenal God has given us. Let’s not forget about the power of the Blood of Jesus. Our kids have started school or getting ready to start; plead the Blood of Jesus over them. God wants us to win and to succeed, but you’ve got to say and do the Word of God. You won’t know to do and/or say these things if you do not know the Word of God.

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Remember that there is a sinner's prayer on this site. Please contact me if you pray this prayer. Jesus loves you, and so do I!

Distractions!!!!!

Hello Brothers & Sisters......

I just want to give you a quick reminder that we do have an enemy out there that is trying everything to keep us from God. I am here to urge you to make time for God everyday!!! EVERYDAY!!! I know that I am not the only one that has have or is having to deal with every day distractions. Not that these distractions are "bad things", but enemy will use anything to draw away from God. These last couple of days I would start praying, and someone would need something to drink, have to potty, needing changing or something. Yes, I know that these things are "normal" when you have children, a family you have to take care of, but even for my family it has been an unusually high volume of "distractions". Before I pray, I get everyone what they need - drinks, food, snack etc. I do try to get up before the little ones get, but someone would always wake up or wake up with me. I would be finishing my confessions up when I put the kids to sleep at night. During these last couple of days, I didn't even finish praying, and I would feel so bad because I know that God always takes the time to listen when His daughter Shan speaks. He so loves when I come to talk to Him, and I love to fellowship with Him. Boy, I sure am glad that missing a day of non-finished prayer doesn't takes me out of the race. I asked the Lord to forgive me for not completing my confession and our time to talk. We ask so much of Him, yet we aren't willing to give any of our time or not enough! We expect Him to answer our prayers, as well we should, but we should at least do what He asks us to do.

But we are not to give up! I don't care if I have to finish up my confessions when the kids go to sleep; I am going to pray and fellowship with the Father. I don't care how many times I have to start and stop, I am gong to finish! God understands, especially we who are married and have families, that we have other people and things that take up our time. 1 Corthinians 7 talks about when you are married you think about pleasing your spouse, but he/she that is not married has the time to spend pleasing the Father. This is not to give us married people a free pass, but there are things/distractions that come up in all of our lives that draw us away from God, and we need to identify what these things are. For me it's the kids, hubby and house, you name it! I can be praying, and my son is trying to put his fingers in my mouth. I need my mouth to pray. Sometimes I'm on my knees, and my daughter sits on my back - distracting! She sometimes starts to recite her ABC's, and she demands attention when she is speaking. My husband tells me to sit down sometimes because I am constantly picking up, or if he's at home I'll think of something I can do that I didn't get to do when it was only me and the kids. But these last couple of days, I had fallen back in that old groove of doing everything, and putting God of the back burner. I got up this morning, before the kids woke up, and I was determine to pray. I can't afford to not pray! I have to many things/prayers I want answered. I can't afford to not do what God has instructed me to do. I can't! There are so many things in God's Word that I want manifested in my life. I want to see them, and I will! My very life on this earth/eternity depends upon it! I had let the cares of this world draw me away. I can not do that. My son woke up before I finished praying this morning. I loved on him for a couple of minutes, got him something to drink and changed him, turned the TV on for him, and was back praying - deal with the distractions!

We can't afford not to pray, read the Word of God and fellowship with Him. Everyone of us have unanswered prays out there. When we stop doing (asking, seeking, knocking); God tells the angels "Hold on, she stop praying, stop praising, stop standing on My Word". And the very moment we stop could be the very moment we find what we have been looking, searching and standing for - it could be right at the door......... but you stopped praying, praising. No, missing one or two days of praying is not going to kill you, but you will be weak spiritually - easily distracted, frustrated, irritated and tempted to things not pleasing in God's sight. Now not only are you spiritually weak, but you have a bad attitude and in even bigger trouble/sin than before. You can not afford NOT to PRAY! Deal with the distractions!

Even if you have to start and stop several times a day, don't give up! Start again - continue! God sees your effort, and He will honor you! Continue to press forward in Him, and let the enemy know that he is still a liar and a defeated foe where you and your family are concerned! Keep Praying! Keep Reading God's Word! He sees you!

Remember that God loves you, and He wants you! There is a sinner's prayer on this site if you need to rededicate your life, or start anew with Jesus as Lord and Savior! I love you and so does God!

Tell someone about the blog! You will be helping to spread a word of encouragement and the Word of God!

Did you put your armor on today????

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Opportunities to get in the Flesh!

Well praise the Lord! Let me just remind you that we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and wicked spirits in high places. I’m telling you, if you’re a threat to the kingdom of darkness - belonging to Christ Jesus, the devil hates you. He is throwing everything in his arsenal bag at us – using everyone and anyone. His job is to get our eyes off of God (His Word), and to get us to doubt God (His Word), and to give up. But no, no, no – we fight the good fight of faith, and we win.

The devil is busy! He has been trying to get me “off”, but I refuse to let him win; I refuse to give up and cave in. Victory in Jesus name is mine. See the devil is trying to see if that “old girl” still lives here, but she has been crucified on the cross; I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. That “old girl” doesn’t live here no more. I’ve always heard that if the devil is not messing with you, then you need to check your relationship with Jesus. We all have our up and down times; it rains on the just and the unjust alike.

This past week presented me with several opportunities to get in the flesh. For the most part, I did pretty well. I quickly knew who and why these things had come. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t go around blaming the enemy for all my problems. I know when contribute to having a problem and immediately ask for forgiveness and plead the Blood of Jesus. But when there are things “out of the blue” or “out of my control”, I have come to the place of understanding who and why they have come, and to trust God – acknowledge Him and allow Him to direct my path (the way I should go or to handle the situation). What better council than that of the Almighty!
Anyway health insurance company all of the sudden didn’t pay anything on a routine check for my son. This should have been 100% taken care of, but we received a statement for the remaining balance after the co-pay we paid. I took my daughter to the doctor and found out that the co-pay had increase. Now I know that insurance companies can change anything on the policy, but they have to notify of policy changes. Not only this, but the cable (SuddenLink – had digital service for about a week and a half) hasn’t worked since we switched – such a disappointment. I never had a problem with analog cable outside of outages and storms. Not only did these things come about, but my Trailblazer – that I hardly drive – was making a noise. Though ALL of these things came up, I trusted God! Troubles……. No problem! I see these as yet another opportunity, not to get in the flesh, but to strengthen my trust in God. I have been confessing everyday that God rebukes the devourer for our (my family) sake. I have also been pleading the Blood of Jesus over all of our property on the inside of our home and the outside. And though the devil is attacking in the very areas in which I have prayed, praised and thank God for, I refuse to allow doubt and unbelief concerning these things I have sincerely prayed and trust God to do. I will stand on the Word of God and see the salvation/manifestation of that Word. The devil is a liar and a defeated foe where we (my family and I) are concerned. The very Word of God that you are standing on, whether it is healing, prayer for your marriage, salvation for a loved one or your finances, the enemy is going to attack those very areas to get you to doubt, back up and change your mind about what God has already said you can have. God didn’t change His mind. If He said it, He will do it!

All while these “problems” were going on, I began to bring them before the Father. I told Him ‘I don’t know why all this is going on, but I trust you.’ Come to find out that the doctor’s office had charged us for two (2) office visits (one for the routine check up and for them looking at my son’s skin). This is procedure for them to do this, but I didn’t know. I made a couple of phone calls and had all of my questions answered and got additional information like all of our wellness doctor visits are 100% taken care of, no co-pay – didn’t know that. SuddenLink was working on a problem, and they had been working on the whole city; we are still having problem (this service is not the best, but we are not under contract and can cancel whenever we want – no penalties!) And come to find out about the Trailblazer after praying and following the direction of the Holy Spirit, I found out that my truck was still under warranty; I thought that I was going to have to pay out-of-pocket but didn’t have to pay a dime. I didn’t have to wait all day to have the truck fixed either; Harper Motors took good care of me as they always do. God is so good, so very awesome. Lord, I appreciate all that you do. I thank you for making even these things important to you because they were important for me. I just love how God loves me. Words cannot describe how He loves us. When I think about the goodness of the Lord, it fills me with such peace. It is so easy to love Him. If we will just “take a moment”, take a breath or two (2), calm down and seek the Father, He will direct our path(s). Though these opportunities to get in the flesh came about, I trusted the Father to take care of them, and He took care of every last one of them. Every one!

Don’t allow your flesh/carnal mind to dictate or win. Don’t allow the devil to plant seeds of doubt concerning that which you’ve asked the Father. Yes it sounds easier said than done, but with God on our side, we can overcome and win! The enemy wants to keep us frustrate and irritated. If you were like me when I was frustrated and irritated, prayer was the last thing on my mind. Somebody was about to get their feelings hurt and told off. But this is not how Jesus would have acted. We have the Greater One on the inside of us; He has made us more than conquerors in Him through Jesus. We are the “King’s Kids”. So when opportunities to get in the flesh arise, whether a bad attitude or negative thoughts or speech, take a moment to reflect on what God’s Word says concerning the situation. Bring every negative thought into captivity (line it up with what God’s Word says). Start practicing only saying what God’s Word says. The Holy Spirit will help you with this. There is a God-Word for every situation that arises in our life. Speak that Word out of your mouth, into being – manifested! You shall have what you say! Stand firm on God’s Word and see the manifestation/salvation of our Lord!

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Remember that there is a sinner’s prayer on this site. God can and will hear you from wherever you are. So you can say this prayer in the privacy of your home, office or car – anywhere and He will hear you and save you! If you pray this prayer, contact me! Let me welcome you into the Kingdom of God!

Please tell others about this blog. In doing so, you will be helping to do damage to the kingdom of darkness! We win in Jesus’ Name!

Servant of All

If you don’t think God has a sense of humor, well check this out! One of my heart’s desires is to be more like Jesus. I thank God for working in me every day. Well sometimes towards the end of the week, I can get a little tired. Being a stay at home mom is a joy, but it is also hard work. It seemed like everyone wanted something and all at one time. I told the Lord ‘Am I everyone servant?’ All I heard was ‘Well, you ask that I help you to be more like Jesus, and He was servant of all.’ Ok, not what I wanted to hear. I literally laughed out loud! I don’t know why God thinks He’s so funny; I guess because He invented it! Smile!

One thing I know, in order for me to be “servant of all”, I have got to walk in love. Now, I have come a very long way, but probably have twice as long to get where I should be, where we all should be, in Christ. One thing I never wanted to do was to work with the public (in any fashion). You really have to have the right attitude and a love for people. It’s not that I don’t have these qualities; mine are just packaged differently (smile). But God has worked a love for people souls. I have this strong desire to see souls won and lives changed. Not that I didn't want this before, but a desire has been placed there. This task of winning souls include my "working" with the public. Everywhere I go God has put on the inside of me a "sensory" to do, say and think the way His Word tells us to. People are looking at you, but even more so when you proclaim the name of the Lord. Now I don't always do everything right, but God knows my heart, and it is to please Him in anyway I can. Walking in love pleases the Father.

I have mellowed out in my “old age”, but more than that, I have gain spiritual wisdom, settled it in my heart that I am going all the way with God and that in all I say, do and think to be pleasing to God. My encouraging others pleases the Father, my casting down every imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of God’s Word is pleasing to Him (doubt and unbelief starts in the mind, and if you don’t cast them down, line them up with God’s Word, then you will speak it out of your mouth – into being – manifested. You shall have what you say - good or bad; our words have power). So say what the Word of God says who you are, what you can do and what you can have. The enemy tried to plant a negative seed in my mind that I am unappreciated. But I know that my husband and children appreciate all that I do. I hear them when they say 'Thank you' or 'Honey, I appreciate you.' But the enemy will try to gain entry anyway he can. Don't let him. I refuse to let him in. He is a liar and a defeated foe, and I thank God for reminding me that I should have a servant's heart. I thank God for restoring my joy of taking care of my family every time I need a refresher. Sometimes you just need to be refresh. That's why we take vacations from our job; we need to be refreshed. It's the same way in our personal lives too. Let the Lord refresh you, and to show you the right perception of the thing you are dealing with. I love taking care of my family, but the enemy tried to use the thing I enjoy, and turn it into a negative thing. Good thing I know know he's a liar, and nothing he says is the truth. Only God's Word is our truth. I don't care what the facts are; I am only interested in the truth, God's truth.

We have all been commissioned to preach the Gospel of Christ, so we all should have the “servant of all” attitude – especially those in the five (5) fold ministry. We should all shrive to more like Jesus, but it comes with a price, some humbling, some discipline and a whole lot of love. The first step to recovery is acknowledging that you need some help/work in this area – I am acknowledging (smile). God is completing the “good work” He has begun in me. He is the author and finisher of my faith.

Are you asking God, the Holy Spirit, to help you to be more like Jesus? You should; we all should. There is no better example of how we should live and act than the life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Remember there is a sinner’s prayer on this site. Tell someone! God can and will hear you from where ever you are. Let me know if you’ve prayed this prayer. Let me welcome you into the Kingdom of God!

The Left Behind Series - Be Ready!

Oh how happy I am when they say ‘Let us go to the House of the Lord’. I am so very thankful, so very grateful that I know Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. I love the peace of knowing that no matter what goes on in my life – God can and will make a way of escape. He is more than able to see me through and to bring me through VICTORIOUSLY! Many are the affliction of the righteous, BUT GOD delivers us from them ALL! I appreciate the Father so much! We should tell Him and show Him more than we do.

I am reading the Left Behind Series (authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins), and I just love these books. I just want to say “Thank You” to my wonderful husband who has bought me the second set of five books (6-10) for Mother’s Day. I have finished two (2) of the five already. I know I am late reading these books, and I’ve seen all the movies. And yes, I do understand that this series is a work of fiction, and that these are characters in the books, but I’ve taken this journey with them. I find myself thinking and sometimes weeping at all they are going through – if only they had listened not “played” church. I rejoice with them when one of their loved one comes to the Family of God.

I count it a privilege to know and serve Jesus NOW! Yes it is my hope, prayer and belief that we, who truly serve God, will be RAPTURED before the tribulation. Do I know this for sure? No, I do not. No man knows the day or the hour, not even the Son, only the Father. I do know that it is not His will that any should perish. Like I said, I believe Jesus will return before “all hell” breaks loose. I was speaking with someone about pre-tribulation and post-tribulation and we both believe in a pre-tribulation (rapture), but also agree that no one knows.

If you are like me a “pre-tribber”, then NOW is the acceptable time to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. I would not want to go through the Tribulation as I’ve seen it in these books. Like I said, I know that this is a fictional series, but they have based it on prophesies and scriptures of the Bible. The Seven Seals Judgments, Seven Trumpets Judgments and Seven Bowls Judgments are real and come from the Bible. So yes it is fiction, but you do not want to go through any of these Judgments or not be able to buy and/or sell, having to survive and live in secret every day, or having to take the mark of the beast. This is the Word of God not just something they, the authors, made up. You think you are going through some persecutions now, there’s no telling what will happen to those who become believers after the Rapture of the Church. I’m here to encourage you to get your life right with God NOW, make Jesus your Lord and Savior NOW, and live your life for Christ NOW! Get your house in order NOW! Now is the acceptable day of the Lord! Why take the chance and gamble with the eternity of your soul??? In a perfect world, everyone would go to Heaven or maybe a Heaven wouldn’t be needed if it was perfect, but it’s not. There are going to be some who will go to hell. I pray that you, as well as for myself, that we have settled it! We are going to serve God no matter what, and keep ALL of His commandments; that we are going to go ALL the way with God.

You know what, it doesn’t matter whether you or I believe in a pre-tribulation or post-tribulation rapture, what does matter is that we are READY! The only thing I can think of that would be “good” about a post-tribulation rapture is that no one should be able to deny that Jesus is the Messiah, and that the Word of God is the Truth! No one will have an excuse for missing the Rapture. And even if this were to happen, there would still be some hold-outs; some who would still not believe. No one can get you ready, but you. I am doing all I know to do to be ready; I don’t always do and say the right things, but I love the Lord with all my soul, heart, spirit and mind, and He love me – He loves us all. I will be ready, and I want you to be ready. I wish there were some “magic” words I could say that would cause everyone to understand the importance and the urgency of having a real relationship with God! If you are a reader, I highly recommend this book series- even if it’s only for entertainment. They, the books, will keep the Rapture of God’s and the consequences of those left behind in your mind. Should prompt you to make sure that things are "alright" between you and God. But you will find yourself on pins and needles wondering how are they going to get out of this one, and what else could they possibly go through next. I can hardly put them down! It really is a good read.

Get Ready! Be Ready! The Rapture will happen in a moment in a twinkling of an eye (as fast as you blink), and we who belong to Jesus will be changed in that twinkling of an eye. Make sure you are among those. I am!

Remember there is a sinner’s prayer on this site. You can pray this prayer in the privacy of your home; God can hear you and will receive you no matter where you are physically or in your life. God loves, and He wants you! If you do pray this prayer, contact me. Let me welcome you into the Kingdom of God!

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!

Thanks to those who serve/d and gave their lives in order for me and my family and this great nation of ours to have the life we enjoy today! Thank You!

Simple Enough, Right?

Hallelujah! Jesus is alive and is seated at the right hand of the Father! He ever lives to make intercession for us! Jesus is rooting for us to win, and win we can with Him as Lord and Savior!

Well Praise God! Have you ever heard or seen something so simple, so easy that you think everybody should be able to understand it. I know some things we have to hear more than once to get them/understand them, but there are some things so simple that it’s really a “no brainer” or at least it should be. With my daughter, I’ve explained to her that she shouldn’t push her brother; don’t push your brother, and you won’t get into trouble with Mommy. Sounds simple enough! Now, yes I understand that she is ONLY three (3), but Angie’s is a very smart little girl. She understands that when she does this, pushing her brother, it doesn’t make Mommy very happy, and that she has done something wrong. I know she knows this is wrong, because as soon as she does it she apologizes and prays for her brother. Though this is good, it doesn’t dismiss the fact that it is wrong, and we are working with her to not do this anymore; that coming to tell Mommy that Dorrien is destroying your princess castle and having Mommy remove Dorrien is a much better way of dealing with the problem. She does come tells me, and I remove Dorrien from the princess palace, but she doesn’t always do this. But because she is three (3) and is still learning, we give her a little room for improvement, but this is unacceptable. I know that they are siblings and are going to have their little spats, but we are not going to take action that could hurt the other. But unlike my daughter, we are not three (3) years old. We have been taught, and we can understand.

It’s the same way with God and us. Living for God is so simple. If you can read, it is SO SIMPLE. But why oh why do we make it a difficult task; why does it seem so hard to us sometimes? Simple, it’s this flesh. It wants what it wants when it wants it. When I lived in Georgia, the Krispy Kreme Donut’s sign would come on to let you know when the donuts were hot – right off the press. When I had a taste for them, I just had to have them - knowing I love that slender, fine body of mine that I worked so hard for would suffer some. I didn’t need a dozen of donuts, but I WANTED them – and I had them. Now it sounds simple enough – stay fine and slender - don’t eat a dozen of donuts. Simple right? I understood this; I knew the outcome of eating this much this often (and no, I didn’t get “fat”, but I gained unwanted pounds).

It’s the same with God. To get the results or desired outcome of life, we must do the Word of God. Simple enough, right? It is written in black and white sometimes red; it’s an opened-book test – we shouldn’t fail. But it’s this flesh that we have to deal with that gets us into trouble. Just like with my daughter, she has to come to place where she can control herself; where she can stop herself from pushing her brother. We have to bring our “flesh” in line with God’s Word – renew our minds to the Word of God – READ THE WORD OF GOD! Simple enough, right? WE, Christian adults, have the Word of God and also the Holy Spirit who is our helper; He helps us to bring our “flesh” (eating, lying, drugs, sex – whatever) in line with God’s Will/Word for our lives. Simple right!

Everything that we need is in God’s Word. If we will seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, then all the things we desire will be added to us. God want us to prosper and be in health even as our souls prosper. The level your soul has prospered in God is the level you will prosper in life. I always pray that my family’s souls are prospering. This should be the important thing – our souls prospering in Christ. To whom much is given much is required. But it’s all outlined in His Word in simple terms. And even if you don’t quite understand His Word, there are commentaries and knowledgeable people that know and can help you understand. There’s no excuse. I personally like things outlined for me, no wondering about what I need to do – no worries. The Word of God can “fix” anything. We have the Holy Spirit to help us beat any bad habit not pleasing in God’s sight. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that it rains on the just and the unjust alike; that tests and trials happened to us all, trust me I know. These trials have made me stronger! My trust level in believing God can perform His Word on my behalf has increase! That is a good thing! Did I like the trial – NO, but I’m glad it came. We have to come to the realization of that which is found in one of my daughter favorite books, God’s Creation. At the end it states that there will never be anyone greater or more powerful than God. We all have to come to this realization. There is nothing we can go through that is too hard for God to deliver us from. We can’t get too far gone that His hand can’t reach to pull us up and out! There is nothing IMPOSSIBLE for God! NOTHING! You have to have faith that God can do it - whatever "it" is, and trust Him no matter what! Truly our Father God does knows best!

We Christians have enough understanding or enough understanding available, through pastors or somebody, of the written Word of God. No excuses! Living our lives for God CAN BE SIMPLE, if we will make up our minds/settle it, that we are going all the way with God. Once you have made up your mind that you are going to walk this walk with Christ to the full – all of it, God will equip you with all you need to walk through successfully. Do your part - Build your faith, your TRUST in God by getting in His Word. And then – DO THE WORD OF GOD! Simple enough, right!

Time is running out! Are you READY?? It will have in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye!

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Remember there is a sinner’s prayer on this site. If you pray this prayer, please contact me so that I can welcome you to the Family of God.

The Church Reasoning Itself from the Word of God

(This is alittle long,but it's good. So read it when you have time. I look forward to hearing your comments.)

Ok, no salutations, I’m just going to jump right into this. As you can see from the title, this could be a somewhat touchy topic for some, but for those who love the truths of God’s Word, I hope that you will be encouraged, enlightened and decide to do your very best at keeping the commandments of God. Now, I’m going to take the advice of a former pastor and good friend of mine and apologize for how anything discussed here may sound. Please understand that this is what I believe is the truth of God’s Word. I am not condemning or judging anyone; besides, God confiscated my “stoning stones” and told me I’m not fit to carry them let alone throw them. Those who read this blog know me and know that I love them, but these same people should know that I will always speak what I believe is the truth. Let us have an honest, loving, lively-spirited discussion; let’s not get offended by what others believe to be truth. If you disagree with me or anyone else, say so, but let’s say it in love.

There’s a lot we could discuss under this topic, maybe I’ll do several parts. But I want us to look at the Church’s integrity, love and the sexual sin. Yes, there are many, many, many things we could discuss here, but if I do that this post would be extremely long, and some may lose interest. Please also keep in mind that we are discussing the Church (those who profess the name of our Lord Jesus Christ), not the world.

Now, the title is the Church Reasoning Itself from the Word of God. Reasoning is defined as the basis or motive for an action, decision or conviction. So we are discussing some areas of the Church’s basis or motives for their actions and/or decisions for moving away from God’s Word. Follow? Good!

Let’s talk about integrity. Integrity is the steadfast adherence (devoted follower) to a strict moral or ethical code. Sorry for the definitions, but a lot of times we think we know what a word means, but really have no clue. When I think of the Church/Christians having integrity, I think there’s no lying, cheating or stealing; there’s no double standards. This strict moral ethical code (integrity) for us Christians is the Word of God – the B-I-B-L-E. Proverbs 11:3 states the integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity (deliberate deceptiveness in behavior or speech). Yes, I’m setting things up for later, but let’s continue. During my daily confession time I pray ‘Thank you Lord that I have favor with You and with man (because I keep all of His commandments – speaking my faith, for faith comes by hearing), favor encompassing me and my family as with a shield (Psalms 5:12)’. But I go on to pray ‘Not only are we highly favored of You and man, but we are people of integrity. On our jobs we do not lie, cheat or steal our way to the top because we know that promotion comes from you Lord (Psalms 75:5-7). Even in our everyday lives, we are people of integrity. We do not lie, cheat or steal to get our way or things because having integrity is pleasing in Your sight, and we know that you will bless us for walking upright before You.’ This is how I pray. But so many times we hear of people claiming to be “Christians”, and yet they steal from their employers. Now I’m not talking about taking a pen or a sticky note to write a personal note. I’ve even put a pen in my purse in haste to get out of the office before (it was in my purse when I returned). That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the people that “stock-up” on pens, paper, paperclips, sticky notes – you name it, and placing them amongst their own personal things at home, not the office. Yes, Christians do stuff like this, but we can’t do these things and think it is pleasing in God’s sight. People will say ‘Oh, they’ll never miss it’. That’s not the point; the point is that it’s stealing, and it is wrong. They, some Christians, will lie (smudge the truth) to make themselves look better for a position. Psalms 5:9 (NIV) states: Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit. This should not be said of “True Christians”. They get the position and say how God has blessed them; when it turns out more of a headache, they wonder why that is. The same thing goes for our every day-to-day life.

People hear us when we say we are “Christians”, and they see what we do. Our children learn from what they see and hear us do. It is important for us Christians to walk upright and in integrity before our families, employers, co-workers and employees, brothers and sisters in Christ, and the people of this world. Titus 2:6-8 is a good scripture that shows us what integrity in Christian living should be; I like the Message Bible translation which states: ‘Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives. But mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around. ‘Our manner of life may win some for the Kingdom of God. Don’t make excuses or try to justify not doing right – walking upright and in integrity. Don’t get tired in doing well (2 Thessalonians 3:13). One of my good friends talk about the assignments God gives her and us, and this is part of our assignment/job God has placed before us – walking in integrity. Search your own life/heart and see if you have any areas that you are not walking upright and in integrity. Only you know, and only you can make it right with God.

Now this next thing – Love- God has really been working on me in this area. It’s not so much that I don’t know how to love, but it’s the things that come out of my mouth; and it’s not so much as what come out of my mouth, but how I say things. But this wasn’t love, and God let me know it. If I’m going to be God’s Vessel, I had to learn to say what I had to say in love, and to learn to keep my mouth shut (really working on that part). But I confess everyday that I am a loving, compassionate person, and that my speech is sweet when I speak. We are to love our neighbors as we do ourselves (Matthew 19:19). A neighbor is defined as one who lives or is located near another; a fellow human being. This means everyone; even the waitress who gets your order wrong or the pharmacy worker who inputs your insurance information wrong cause me to have to wait in line longer than I expected (ouch! I apologize as I was instructed to).

Love covers sins; it doesn’t blab it to every ear that it crosses. Church folk have been known to be gossipers. Hurting people come into the church, whether it be from a divorce or a wrong done to them, whatever), and some Christians, seeming sincere, airs all of their business or looks down on them. Proverbs 10:12 (MSG) states that hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering. How many of you know that if you start spreading a person business they confided in you, you better be prepared for what could come next. Some people will have a big problem with their business getting out. We as “True Christians” can’t act like this, or we shouldn’t ask like this. Now Have I ever gossiped? Yes! I don’t do this anymore – when you know better, you do better. I am doing better in this area. But as you’ve heard from me before, there’s still a lot of work for my Father to do in this old girl. Once God helps me get control of one area, He will start on the next one. But I love the Lord’s correction/discipline in my life; I ask for it, and He always delivers. Now, I have to do some repenting, but God knows my heart; He knows that when I repent – I mean it! While we cover a person with love, we are not to condone the sin. So many times we tell people “It’s ok baby, God’s understands”. And while God does understand what we are dealing with, it is not His will that we remain it that sin.

Saints, it is time we stop and speak out against the sexual immorality (fornication, molestation, homosexuality etc.) we are allowing to run rampant in the church. I hate hearing about the Catholic priest molesting children; though I am not a Catholic, this is a bad reflection on the Church as a whole. (Please understand that though I am not a Catholic, I understand that there are decent-god-fearing Catholics out there. I am not speaking out about the Catholic Church, but the actions of these priests representing the Catholics). I sincerely hope that these priests repent and turn from this sin and do it NO more – true repentance. I really can’t understand how they can continue in the “service of God”, and do this. Even for those who did not participate in these horrible acts but didn’t say anything, how could they sit by and say nothing. Maybe it was self preservation; maybe they didn’t want to rock the boat. Well, I’m here to do some rocking, but in love……… Their silence condones the actions of the others; they said without a spoken word “It’s ok” – and it’s not. This is not the Will of God nor is it pleasing in God’s sight. Surely they could not have thought that these acts were pleasing in God’s sight, and they were walking upright before God. C’mom! Think!
It is the same with fornication and homosexuality. They are not pleasing in God’s sight. This should not be named amongst “True Christians”. Romans 13:13 states: Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. And yes, I have fornicated. Now I was never one to just sleep with every Tom, Dick and Harry (sorry if one of these is your name (smile), but when I was exclusively dating/seeing someone, there was a sexual relationship. God had dealt with me for a long time about this. It had gotten to the point where I couldn’t enjoy “it” because of the conviction. I was raise in the church, and I knew better. I am glad that He did convict me; He had a plan for my life.

When I practiced fornication, meaning this is how I lived, I was not a “True Christian, but I knew that even then. And I truly believe that even though I loved the Lord and still attended church, if Jesus had returned while I was fornicating, I would have gone to Hell! Yes, there is a Hell (Matthew 7:13, Matthew 13:37-42, 49-50, Revelation 19:19-21 and Revelation 20:7-15). Go check it out. I’m not trying to scare anyone; I’m trying to prepare you, to wake you up! And if you don’t believe that there is a place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, well I guess you’ll find out when you get there. Get some self-control; I did! And no my then “boyfriend” now husband didn’t like it. Yes, he bought the cow and enjoys the milk every chance he get (smile)!

Homosexuals are not “True Christians” either. They can “call” themselves “Christians” until the cows come home. How can anyone living this lifestyle (habitually living this lifestyle) say that it is God’s will for their life is beyond my reasoning. Stay with here. God is not a “mere man” that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). If He, God, calls the act of homosexuality an abomination, then it is – end of discussion. He’s not mere man that He should repent. God did not change His mind on this. He didn't say “This is an abomination – Sike! – I was just kidding, Live it Up!” No! He is the same today as He was yesterday (Hebrew 13:8). God is no respecter of persons; if He meant it for them way back when, He means the same for us now (Acts 10:34). If you think that this is “ok” then why would He put in His Word ‘A man should not lie with another man as He would with a woman’ (Leviticus 18:22)? And since God is no respecter of persons, this goes for the woman too. C’mon! 1 Corinthians 7:1-7 states that marriage is between a man and a woman. And for those of you who are going into “left field” saying it didn’t say anything about dating. Then the relationship would be fornication which is also a sin, and if there are no sexual relations, then you are just friends – c’mon.

Are cheating, lying, back-biting, gossip, fornication and homosexuality good or bad? Do you really think these are pleasing in God’s sight? Do you truly believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we, accepting Him and what He’s done for us – our becoming NEW creations in God through Him, can continue in sin? Do you think that continuing doing these and other thing, accepting them without striving and asking Him to help us get rid of them, is pleasing in His sight?? Come on Christians…THINK!

Church you cannot habitually do any of these things we’ve discussed and be a “True Christian”. Now, you can do ALL of these things and “say” you are a Christian. None of these “things” are “ok” with God. None of them! It was said that the church is for sinners, and this is correct. But when the sinners come into the House of the Lord, accept His Son Jesus as Lord and Savior, their lives should change; they should desire change so that their lives line up with the Word of God. Their lives should change over time. Trust me; I understand that this Salvation is a process. I understand that some of these things people will have to “walk out” in their lives. It doesn’t happen overnight. But we should not accept things that God doesn’t accept. There are churches that allow fornicators and homosexuals to hold office and titles in the church. I think a lot of church's reasoning in allowing these things is that they are more interested in “numbers” than in “changed lives”. There are churches that allow these things to go on because they don’t want to “offend” anyone. This is a matter of life and death, blessing and cursing – Heaven and Hell! This is IMPORTANT! Pastors……. Preach the Truths of God’s Word or you will be left behind with those who you have let slide. Say something! Stand Up! We Christians have to DESIRE to change, to walk according to the Word of God. We are New Creations – Old things have passed away – ALL things have become new. We may come into the House of God dirty and ALL messed-up, but we are not to remain that way. The Word of God says that He is Holy, and that we should be too (1 Peter 1:16). I know that there are things that can have such a “strong hold” on your life that they are HARD to get rid of. But when you truly desire to change, when you hate what you’re doing and no longer desire to do it, with God’s help and some old-fashioned self-control, you can do it! The thing is that we sometimes like what we are doing, and don’t want to get rid of it; there’s no desire to change. Instead we try to rationalize or find a “loop-hole”, or those of “like faith” to continue in that sin we love to do. Instead of us lining our lives up with the Word of God, we try to make the Word of God “fit” what we think and our life decisions. I had a friend that said this is why she hates religion – too many rules! But just about every aspect of our lives are govern by rules. If you don’t have any rules, there would be chaos – more than there is now. 1 Corinthians 14:40 states let all things be done decently and in order. No rules means no order. The “rules and regulations” of God’s Word is not to “keep us in a box”, but to protect us and create a better quality of life for us.

Look, what it boils down to is do you believe the Word of God – The Bible or not. We have to stop making excuses. Look at the reasoning – motives – for the decision you make and the things you allow in your life. Why do you allow yourself to lie or cheat? Why have to decide to continue to fornicate or live a life of homosexuality? Why would you go against the very words you say you trust and the God that you say you serve? We have to walk according to His Word – All of it! If we see our brother or sister in sin, we have to warned them – “Hey, you’re going the wrong way!” If you don’t believe me, then here are some scriptures to back me up:

Ezekiel 3:20, 21 (AMP), 1 Timothy 5:20 (AMP) and Hebrews 3:12-14 (AMP & MSG)

I pray that the eyes of your understanding have been enlightened by the Word of God. Please pray about this and take some time to ponder/think/Selah! I hope that this has not sounded judgmental – not my place. But as God’s Vessel, it is my place to speak the truth of His Word. I don’t do this blog for any glory or money; I simple do this because I desire to see souls won for the Kingdom of God and lives changed, to equip you with God’s Truth so that you can withstand the tricks of the enemy.

This is all that I will say (It’s long enough as it is). Please pray, study, search God’s Word. Remember that I love you, and Jesus loves you too!

There is a sinner’s prayer on this blog for those who would like to received salvation or rededicate their lives to our Lord Jesus.

Did you put you armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Starting Over!

Let me just say that God is still on the throne, and no matter what the enemy and those he may use to cause troubles do - WE WIN! The Almighty God is on our side, and He always causes us to triump!

Sometimes we have to go back to go forward. When teaching my three (3) year old daughter to count, she would sometimes skip numbers, and I would make her start over. She was not very happy about having to start over; she wanted to move on to the next number, but she needed to know and understand that to learn to count correctly she needed to count or to say the number in the correct order. There is a right and correct way to everything. It’s the same way with God. When you start your walk with Him, if you don’t fully learn or get all the basics you need to walk this walk, you’re not going to be able to operate effectively and efficiently at the level God needs and wants you to.

In God, there are different levels of faith, maturity, power and glory we can experience. But there is a way and an order to these; and if you don’t fully learn and understand these things, then you won't be able to go to the next level. Here are some of the basics we need do to walk this walk in Christ Jesus:

1. You must be born again

2. Develop a relationship with God – a lot of times people get born again, but that is as far as they go.

3. Get to know God – study His Word, pray and/or talk to Him

4. Begin to develop and release your faith (See what the Word of God says who you are, what you can do and what you can have) – begin to meditate on His Word (get it in your spirit), and begin to speak it out of your mouth (you shall have what you say – good or bad – your words have power).

I believe that these are some of the basics we need to begin our walk with God. When we start with these, we start at the beginning – the first level – in Jesus. When we don’t do these things or try to skip through them, just like my daughter, you’ll have to start over; you’ll have to go back. Going back is not always bad, but an opportunity to get it right, to equip ourselves with all the arsenal God has for us to walk this walk in our spiritual lives as well as our personal lives, an opportunity for us to complete every step He has planned for our lives (the steps of a righteous man/woman are ordered of the Lord).

So when God tells you to go back, it’s not always a bad thing. Because I made my daughter go back and start at the beginning, she can now count all the numbers she’s learned and in the correct order. I remember Evangelist Husband say “Your set back, is your set up for your come back!” God may bring you back, but He’s setting you up for an even GREATER comeback!

Feel free to let me know what other steps you believe to be basics needed to walk this walk in Christ Jesus.

Remember there is a sinner's prayer on this site. If you pray this pray, contact me so that I may personally welcome you into God's Family.

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!!

Never Let Me Get Away with Anything

Glorrrrrryyyyyy Hallelujah!!!!

A couple of week ago, I was running some errands and was in a bit of a rush. I had taken Dorrien to the dermatologist (unexpectantly) and had gotten a prescription for him. Being proactive, I went to the pharmacist to give them the new insurance information and prescription so all I would have to do is pick it up and pay for it. Well as I’ve told you before, the devil is not too happy with my encouraging people in their faith/in the Word of God; so he is always trying to do stuff. Even with him “trying” to trip us up, we, Christians, still have to walk upright and in love. And anyone who professes the name of the Lord Jesus, whether five-fold ministry or lay-Christians) should strive to walk in love as Jesus did.

But getting back to my running errands……………. After running around with my two “patient” children, I had gone back to the pharmacist, and the lady behind the counter informed me that the insurance didn’t go through. Say what now??? I took a deep breath and asked her why the insurance didn’t go through, and she said it was just rejected. Not a good enough answer because I knew that it should have gone through. Another lady standing by asked to see my insurance card; she found out that the insurance information had been entered wrong (simple human error). Now like I said, I was in a hurry (excuse, excuses - LOL). I had come the day before to drop off the prescription and new insurance information all while holding a sleeping baby I waited to have this done. I could just feel the heated-anger rising; I took a deep breath and “stared a hole” in the lady – talk about if looks could kill. I sternly inform her that I had some shopping to do, and that I would be back to pick up the prescription.

While walking around in Wal-Mart, the Lord began to convict me. I don’t like it when my Father is unhappy me. He began to tell me ‘You can’t act like that.’ I told Him ‘There’s no reason for them not to have this prescription ready; there should have been no problem.’ I heard Him say that when I go back to pick up the prescription that I needed to apologize. Say what now?? All I heard was ‘To whom much is given, much is required. You want Me to correct/discipline you - you can’t act like that.’ I have learned to trust and obey even when I don’t want to (I learned early from my mom – she didn’t play either). I did apologize to the lady. She told me it was ok, and that she understood. We as Christians have to walk upright everywhere we go as much as we can. You never know who is watching; you never know who the Lord may have you minister too. When we miss it, we have to big, mature men and women of God and do what Jesus would do. No matter how “right” we are or think we have the right to react a certain way, we must walk in love. I missed it- probably not the last time, but I was obedient in apologizing to the lady; she had nothing to do with the entering the insurance information.

We as Christians, as we pursue God, as we mature and grow in Him, He’s going to require more of us because we are suppose to have more of Him in us; He’s going to require us to walk in love more because He is Love. This requirement is more so for those who minister the gospel to the people, because they are in the position to “Sheppard people souls”. And I asked the Lord to correct/discipline me, and He was just doing what I asked Him to do. In the end, I felt good about going back and apologizing. Not only did I rectify the situation, but I was also obedient which is pleasing to my Father – I just love when He’s pleased with me. And I pray that He never let me get away with anything.

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!!

A Compassionate Jesus!

Hey Everybody,

This year I have decided to read through the entire Bible. I am using one of the reading plans on Bible Gateway’s site. You know how you’ve read a scripture before, but you read it again and a “light” comes on; or it causes you to pause and ponder. Well I am using the reading plan that allows you to read some of the Old Testament and The New Testament at the same time. In reading The New Testament, I’m reading a lot about Jesus – as I have done many times before. But in reading about Jesus casting out demons and healing the sick, it mentions many times how Jesus was moved or filled with compassion. Compassion? I think I know what compassion means, but I decided to look it up in the dictionary (my sister/asst. pastor does this a lot). Compassion is defined as a deep awareness of the suffering of another.

Jesus is deeply aware of our sufferings. He’s see us right where we are, and just as He healed the sick, He will do the same for us. Healing can take place in areas other than the body; it can take place in our minds, hearts, and finances. I’ve even laid hands and prayed for my car smile . I once was in a place where I thought I was a failure. I did and said things that hurt those around me. My mom use to always say ‘Hurting people hurt people’. On the outside, you’d never have known that anything was wrong. On the inside, I was hurting, angry and just downright selfish (did whatever made ME happy not thinking of those I might hurt).

One day I was looking at myself and was disgusted at the person I had become. Alone in my home, I began to talk to Jesus as I had done so many times before. He heard me when I said “Lord, I don’t want to do this anymore! I need a way out; I need You to help me!” He heard my cry; He was filled with compassion, He knew I really wanted to change. He knows the intent of the heart of every man; so don’t think you can fool Him. I meant every word I’d said to Jesus that night. I didn’t want to live the way I was living anymore! I renewed my relationship with Jesus. Those who went to school (Junior high and high school) with me know how I was a “Bible Toting Teen”. I asked for that same passion, desire – that FIRE – to be renewed in my spirit. He, Jesus, was filled with compassion yet again for me. Just as He has done this for me, He can and will do for you – He is no respecter of persons. Maybe you don’t need healing in your body today, but we all need the compassion of Jesus in our lives every day. I had to come back to the realization that Jesus is so in Love with ME – Yes, Jesus is in Love with me! He loved me so much that He gave His life for mine. He saw how I suffered, torn between the Spirit and the flesh. The Spirit Won! Praise the Lord; I am so glad it did. We all have or have had things in our lives that need or needed to be kicked out. Take a good look at your life; you know what or who it is. Make the choice to line your life up with the Word of God. Everything and everyone that doesn’t line up with the Word of God you need to kick out. Let me say this – every THING that doesn’t line up with God’s Word, kick it out. For those (people) that do not want to go God’s Way, you need pray for them. If this person is not in your household (spouse or child(ren), you might want to distance yourself and pray for them. Your manner of life, living for Christ, can win them for the Kingdom of God. Don’t give up on them, continue to pray. Jesus and some of family never gave up on us. If that person is doing or saying things to influence you to do or say things not pleasing in God’s sight – distance yourself – lots and lots of distance.

So many people are going through their own trial(s) right now. So many of us are hurting or we’re lost. All that we will ever need can be found in a compassionate Jesus who loves us and intercedes for us. He wants us to be happy, to be whole, and to be prosperous and a success.

Jesus is in Love with YOU! HE LOVES YOU! He is waiting for you to accept His love –to accept Him.

Remember there is a sinner’s prayer on this site. If you pray it and want to
contact me, please do.

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!

If you are a Christian, and you are using the Bible as your source of truth and guide for life, then you should know and understand that Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven. A lot of people that read this blog are family and good friends of mine, and they know and love me no matter what I say or believe. But for those that do not know me as well I want you to understand that I’m only going to speak the truth here. And if I can’t back what I am saying with the Word of God, then I don’t say it. I understand that there are different denominations and churches, and not all of my family, friends and potential new friends go to the same church as I do. I only know what is being taught in my church by my pastor, and if it is not in the Word of God she doesn’t preach it. There was a pole taken that stated that 57% of evangelicals, Christians, believe that there are other ways to get to Heaven, to have salvation. If your pastor is preaching that there are other ways to get to Heaven and other ways to have true salvation, other than Jesus Christ, run – get out of there! I remember hearing that when the rapture takes place that many pastor’s/church leaders would be left behind and some killed. I know what you’re thinking, that’s awful and who would say such a thing. It is awful, but I can see where it would be true. If you’ve set under a pastor or church leader’s ministry for years, and they taught that there were others ways to get to Heaven other ways to have salvation, and as a result you were left behind – YOU MISSED THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH! There are going to be some angry people, and some will take that anger out on the one they believed lead them the wrong way. Yes, it’s the responsibility of every man (human) to read the Word of God themselves; but as a pastor, it’s his/her responsibility to bring forth the truths of God’s Word, and if they are preaching other ways to get to Heaven and other ways to have salvation, other than by Jesus Christ, then they are leading many in the wrong direction, many will be left behind and some will be angry even to the point of doing harm to those they believed deceived them.

As always, let me back up my belief, that Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven, with the Bible, our handbook for life. I want you to take your Bible out to make sure I’m telling the truth about what is written in God’s Word and to make sure there are no typos (smile).

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13 NIV)

Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:10-12 NIV)

But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name (John 1:12 AMP)

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." (John6:63-65)

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" (John 3:3-5)

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." (Acts 10:38-43)

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. I Timothy 1:13-15)

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:8-10)

Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. (Hebrew 7:25)

For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.(Hebrew 9:24-28)

And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. (Hebrews 10:10-14)

Praise to God for a Living Hope
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,(1 Peter 3:13-18)

Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matthew 26:50-54)

These are not the only scriptures that state that Jesus is the only way and only hope of salvation. These are in no particular order, but they can all be found in the Bible. Take the time to search out these scriptures and other that pertain to Jesus being out only hope of salvation and ticket to Heaven. Set aside some time everyday to read the Word of God so that you make know what truth is and what is not truth. Many are being deceived in churches where other ways of salvation and way to Heaven is being preached. If you know of any other scripture that pertain to this subject, please take the time to share them (and there are others).

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Who or What is Greater than God to You?

Well Glory, Hallelujah! I know my God is good, and He is good all the time. I tell you what…..that ‘old slue-footed devil has been busy. One day I’ll go into detail about all that has been going on, but I know I have the VICTORY in Jesus! I have had to fight the good fight of faith. I know the devil is not happy with me, and I DON’T CARE! And because he (the enemy/devil) is trying to mess with me and mine, I’m messing with him and his. If you haven’t been to the blog lately, then you will see that there is a sinner’s prayer on the left side. I am going to win as many souls as I possibly can. I have a flyer that I going to post up everywhere that I can. The devil wants to mess with me and “try” to do some damage; well, LET’S WINS SOME SOULS AND DO SOME DAMAGE TO THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS!

But our God is so so good. What the devil has meant for harm, God has turned for our good. I am reading through the Bible this year, and in Genesis 50:20 it’s talking about Joseph and what his brothers had done to him (they sold him). What Joseph’s brothers intended for his harm, God intended for good to accomplish the saving of many lives – physical lives. This trial that I am going through is intended for my harm, but my Father God has intended it for my good to accomplish maturity, character, endurance, to increase my faith and confidence in His ability to perform His Word, and to equip me to win many souls for His Kingdom. This trial has caused me to check my level of trust in the God I say I serve. It has caused me to seek His Word in how to confidently trust in Him. I thought I knew how to rest, rely and confidently trust in my Father, but it was in not-so-big things that I had learned to do this. This trial is the biggest I’ve had to conqueror. But thanks be unto to my God who always causes me to triumph!

Now this trial would cause some to give out, cave in and give up, but one day I heard my Father say “Victory in Jesus”; He even put it in the form of a song; He knew that I would sing and dance before Him. James 5:13 says – Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. I was having trouble, so I prayed. But I wasn’t happy until revelation came. When stuff we go through is heavy, we have to have the Word of God on the inside of us. When this great trial came up, I had to remember that the Greater One lives on the inside of me; I remembered who I belong to – not that I forgot, but we’ll get there. Not only does He live on the inside of me, but He is greater than he that is in this world. The joy of the Lord is our strength. The Lord will give you a song to sing – a new song of praise and deliverance – Victory in Jesus! He has also given us His Word to stand on, to encourage us and to build us up in our most holy faith. This is why I say that it is important to study the Word of God and mediate on it (this is part of maintaining your relationship with God). When you do this, the Word of God is on the inside of you at the “ready”; though the enemy may come and shake your world, that Word of God on the inside of you helps rally and plant our your feet back on solid/secure ground.

This is what I had to do. The enemy has been on the attack over here. It kind of tried to have me shaken. One day as I was doing my confessions, which I do daily, and I got to the part where I confess that God is for me who can successfully be against me (Romans 8); God is on my side. I don’t have to fear. What can man do to me? It was like a “light bulb” turned on! I had said over and over again that I was rolling this care over on the Lord, but I kept putting my hands over in it. I felt if I’m not doing anything, then nothing was getting done. But I was doing everything, and not letting God do anything. I had not taken my “hands” off the situation; therefore, doubt and fear came in. I was operating by the “arm of the flesh” (doing things my own way) to get the results I thought I should have. It was shown to me that though I thought I was operating in faith I was actually operating in fear. Lord help us all! I was confessing the Word of God and doing all that I knew to do, but things I was doing were guided by fear and not by the Holy Spirit (He leads us into all truth; He’s the Helper/Counselor). I didn’t lose sleep over the situation, but fear was there in that it seemed like it was “little ole me” against these big power giants. It was revealed unto me during confession – THE LORD GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE, SHAN! GOD is on our, the righteous, side. He is not on the wicked side, but OURS! There is no one or nothing greater or more powerful than the God that I serve. I know this, I have been confessing this for years, but a hard and heavy trial had come and for a moment – I took my eyes off of the Lord and began looking at my troubles/situation. I was like Peter when he walked on water; the winds and waves made him get his eyes off Jesus and he, Peter, began to go down. Yeah, I know – I should have known better, but I tell you this because I too am human and have to deal with this flesh. But the Word of the Most High is written on the tablets of my heart (Proverbs 7:2, 3). I was also reminded that Jesus, My Savior, ever lives to make intercession for me – Jesus prays for me (Romans 8:34)! When I realized what had gone on, I immediately asked the Lord to forgive me for operating in fear and not confidently trusting in Him. We, Christians, have to learn these things, like confidently trusting, and the way we learn them is by learning the Word of God. Everything we need is in Him/His Word (they are ONE).

Your trial might not be exactly like mine, but it might come in the form of a situation with a spouse or child, or your job or with your finances, but remember this - THERE IS NOTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD! NOTHING! MY God made the Heavens and the Earth! I’m talking about my God who split the Red Sea and caused His people to cross to safety! That’s how awesome and powerful MY God is. He is the same today (in this day and age), as He was yesterday (in the Old and New Testament) – The Same God! If He did it then, He can and will do it now!

Saints of God, gear up on your faith and your trust in God. Get in His Word – THE B-I-B-L-E! The devil is busy seeking those he can devour; those he can get their eyes off the prize we have in Jesus. He knows that his time is short. I know the devil is not happy with me, because I have made the choice to go all the way with Jesus, and to get about my Father God’s business – doing my part in building His Kingdom and to win as many souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. I tell the Father all the time “Here I am, use me!” Yeah it might seem that all I say is Jesus this and Lord that, but I don’t want you to miss anything God has for us, especially not Jesus when He comes. You are that important to me.

Remember there is a sinner’s prayer here. Tell those that are lost, or say the prayer if you have strayed away from the things of God, or you know that if the trumpet were to blow today that you are not ready to go. I want you to be ready; I want US to be ready!

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!