Be Encouraged Today!: Two Truths

Be Encouraged Today!: Two Truths: There are many things in this world that are true, and some that are false. There are many things that are right, and things that are wrong...

Two Truths

There are many things in this world that are true, and some that are false. There are many things that are right, and things that are wrong. In my thirty-seven (37) years of life, I have come to the conclusion of two definite truths – One (1) Jesus loves me (us) so very much, and two (2) the devil hates me so very much. These are true. Sometimes I think back on instances in my life, and think “It amazing that I am still alive.” But I know now that God had a plan! Jesus loves me (us) so much to the point of dying for us! Jesus died for you and me, and if you think of that in a personal way – ponder it – ‘Man, someone gave their life just me.’ Now I would probably give my life to save the lives of my children, but I a complete stranger; I’m gonna have to go with a solid no. It would definitely have to be God if I were to die for someone else; I ‘m just being honest – it’s preservation of life. Jesus probably could have backed out of dying, but He wanted God’s will, not His will, to be done (Matthew 26:39). He knew He had a job to do, and He fulfilled that job for ME (YOU). We could be lost in our sins, doomed to go to hell where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, but Jesus took upon Himself my (our) sins so that I (we), sinners, could be reconciled back unto God – have a relationship with God. Hebrews 9:28 states: Even so it is that Christ, having been offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of many once and once for all, will appear a second time, not to carry any burden of sin nor to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who are [eagerly, constantly, and patiently] waiting for and expecting Him. 1 Peter 2:24 states: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. Not only did Jesus die for our sins, but He ever lives to make intercession for me (us)! Yes, Jesus prays for us! Hebrews 7:25 states: Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them. Jesus is cheering me (us) on to make it to the finish line. He is waiting to “high-five” me (us) as my (our) name(s) are being called from the Book of Life of the Lamb to enter into the Kingdom of God. Jesus is not trying to trick me (us) or setting me (us) up to fail. He wants me (us) to win, and He has given me (us) every tool to be successful; that’s how much He loves me (us)! He has given me (us) tools to be happy, healthy, prosperous and whole in every area of my (our) lives. He took stripes on His back so that I (we) can be healed; He took on poverty and poorness so that I (we) can be rich; this is not just monetarily, but in every area of my (our) life. Isaiah 53:5 states: But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole. 2 Corinthians 8:9 states: For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). Yes! Jesus did all of this for me (us), because He loves me (us) so very much; just think about it. Jesus is so in love with me (us); this I know personally for myself. There’s nothing anyone can say to change that. There’s nothing anyone can do, not even me that can change that love He has for me (us). I can truly say Romans 8:1 - Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for I am in Christ Jesus, because I live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit (One of my favorite chapters in the Bible). Yes, all the above is true, but there’s the truth that the devil hates me so very much too. If you truly name the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, then the devil hates you too. Well, I guess I wouldn’t take to kindly of someone constantly destroying my kingdom either. I don’t care where I am or to whom I must speak the Truth of God’s Word to, I will. No one knows more than I that the truth hurts – it hurts our feeling, our flesh. But the truth also encourages, builds up and gives us hope too. Of course, there’s a time, a place and a way in which we must tell that truth. The Word of God tells us if we see out brother (that’s a brother or sister in Christ) in sin and warn him not, then their blood will be required at our hands. Ezekiel 3:20 states: Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. We must always speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15); for love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8 & Proverbs 10:12, and always have scripture to back up the truth. I’ve said all of this because the devil, who hates me (us) very much, will cause us not to accept that truth, causing us to harden our hearts towards the Word of God thus allowing sin to run rampant in our lives. The devil is subtle, cunning a trickster. God has given us weapons to fight against the wilds, trick of the enemy (Ephesians 6). The devil, our true enemy, is the author of confusion. Where there is envy and strife, there is confusion and every evil work. His job is to constantly keep us in strife and confusion where we feel agitated, alone and defeated. Unlike Jesus, the devil is cheering for me us) to give up, to stop pressing forward, to get tripped up, and to trip up others, to steal, kill and to destroy any Word of God – Hope – in our lives. He wants me (you) to lose, and spend eternity with him in the lake of fire. He, the devil, is the accuser of the brethren; in the Book Job God called Satan/The Devil the adversary and accuser. He is not for me (you); He is against me (you). He is constantly bringing up my (your) past that’s under the Blood of Jesus, but those things that are for; behold, I (we) am new! I’m speaking to myself and to those who name the Name of the Lord, or who walk in the House of the Lord every time the doors are opened – DO NOT LET YOURSELF BE DECEIVED! Just because you go to church every time the doors are open, that does not mean that the Gates of Heaven will be opened to you. It is truly going to be a sad day when Jesus says “Come up hither.” There are going to be some really sad “church folk” that are going to be left behind. Understand that Jesus loves us, and He is the ONLY way to true salvation – there is NO OTHER WAY! All we have to do is turn from our sins, and accept Him as Lord and Savior, and do the Word of God. It’s not hard; we even have a book let us know what we should do; all we have to do is read it and do it. The devil hates you, and he wants you to fail. There is no love there; well except for the love to hate those who have truly decided to follow Jesus – The way of the Kingdom of God and not this world system. Jesus died for you; the least you can do is live for Him. 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, 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!

Is God in Your Story?

There are many who say “Lord, Lord”, worshiping and honoring me with their lips, but their hearts are far from God (Isaiah 29:13). There are many who have ask Jesus to be Lord of their lives, but they do not live for Him. There are many who want God to provide and perform miracles in their lives, but do not want His Word operating in their lives. I, you are the only one who can say if God is a part of our lives, your story. This life that we live is like a story; it has a beginning, middle and an end. It has its ups and downs; its good times and bad. People come in for a reason or a season, but how about God? Does He play are part in your life story? God is the Alpha and Omega; He’s the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). He knows our beginning and end and every point in between; He knows the thoughts and plans He has for us, thoughts of good and not of evil, to give us a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). His plan involves our being reconciled back onto Him through the receiving of His Son, Jesus, so that the promises of His Word can be manifested in our life. He knows everything about us; He even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7). Is God a major character in your life story or is He a prop in your story on a wall or in a corner collecting dust? If He’s just a prop in your story, then He is not always with you, nor does he bare any importance in your life. Does He have a role in your story – a speaking role or is He just an extra that helps you to appear to be a “good” person? Does His character have influence in your story? Does His character’s words, answers or decisions in your life story effect the outcome of your character’s role? Does God’s role in your life story bares enough importance to make it to the end of the story or does He die out early or in the middle? This is our life’s story. We have to keep talking, interacting and listening to keep Him in our story. His words and answers for our life’s story to be successful should have enough importance to affect our stories. Is God in your story? Is His character’s role important enough to see change in your life? We are the only one who can answer these questions. Ask yourself these questions and be honest with yourself. If God is not a character in your life’s story, then you can make Him a part of it. You can give Him an important, influential, speaking role in your life’s story. Only you know if you attend church to say that you go to church, only you can say if God is truly a part of your life – Only You! Are you walking, to the best of your knowledge and ability, according to the Word of God? I have answered these questions, and there are areas that I need tighten up; areas I know that I can and should do better. You have to be honest with yourself; I always am. If I am not honest with myself, then how can I expect others to be honest with me? I love me too much to lie to me. Don’t lie to yourself and find yourself left behind. Honesty is always the best policy especially when it comes to you, your eternity. This is part of that evaluating yourself to make sure that you are walking in the right direction – God’s direction. Just a little something to make you say “Hmm?” 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, 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!!!

A Vow

Well Praise the Lord! This blog post is one of those “ouch hallelujah” posts. It’s good to hear, but definitely not one of those “good feeling” ones. But if you’re like me and love the correction of the Holy Spirit in your life, then you’re gonna like this one. Ya’ll know I always tell it on myself, and I love to share the good and the not so good that I experience. Well it was the Holy Spirit not me; He’s always sharing tidbits with me. When you know better, you do better. Most of you know, especially if you follow me on FaceBook, that I am taking the Beach Body Insanity Challenge. I am on day 47, and I am doing well – seeing results. I made a vow, promise, a commitment that I was going to see this to the very end. This was a personal vow, and I have stuck with it. I get up every day and make time to work out. I dig deep, sweat and recover. It is an intense workout, but I still come back the next day for more. I come back because I made this vow to myself; that I was going to get results no matter what. I did not start this only to quit - having spent time and a good amount of money to purchase it. When we want something bad enough, we make the time for it; we stay the course no matter how hard it is. We do not care who quits; we’ve told ourselves that we are going to do it, and we put forth the time and effort to do it! We have made up our mind to go all the way, and this is what I have done with this challenge. How many of us have made a vow, promise, a commitment to God? “Lord if you bring me through victoriously, I’m going to live my life for You.” “Lord, I promise I’m going to pray every day and study Your Word too.” “Lord if you would just heal me of this infirmary, I promise to eat right and exercise.” Has anyone said anything similar like this to God? The Holy Spirit is honest and a gentlemen, but I heard it as plain as day “You go out of your way to do this challenge, but you will forego reading the Word if you are tired.” Can somebody say “Ouch Hallelujah!” He’s always sharing tidbits! I have been tired, body aching and one time my left foot was a little swollen, but I got in there and dug deep. I know I’m not the only one, but I am always honest with myself. I love the correction of the Lord in my life; as a matter of fact, I ask for it. Now when I hear something, I have to be an obedient Child of God, and be like Nike and Just do it! But if we make a vow, promise, a commitment to God – whatever it may be, we need to make good on it. One of the most important vows, commitments, promises we as Christians have made is the one when we ask Jesus to be Lord of our lives. We told God that we knew that we were sinners; that we would turn from our wicked/sinful ways, and that we would return unto them no more – a vow. We ask to be cleansed of all our unrighteousness, and He did that – God always keeps His Word! Right then we became the righteousness in God through Christ Jesus. Being the righteous means having “right standing” with God, and the only way to have right standing with God is by obeying His Word. When we spoke those words, we made a vow to live our lives for Christ. Deuteronomy 23:21 (MSG) states: When you make a vow to GOD, your God, don’t put off keeping it; GOD, your God, expects you to keep it and if you don’t you’re guilty. But if you don’t make a vow in the first place, there’s no sin. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Keep the vow you willingly vowed to GOD, your God. You promised it, so do it. Enough said! If you are found guilty in a courthouse of this world, you go to jail. Well, if you’re found guilty in the “courthouse aka Throne of Judgment” of the Lord, you go to hell – that’s the spiritual jail without parole. When you say you’re going to do something, make a vow, and you don’t do it then it becomes a lie. Revelations 21:8 talks about different groups that will have their place in the “lake of fire”, and LIARS are amongst the group. We all have emergencies, and sometimes have to reschedule. We still complete the task without hesitation, no procrastination. We need to put even greater importance on the things of God than of this world. There are a lot of things in our lives trying to “get our attention”; whether it be a relationship, our health, our child(ren), situation in the home, making more money, working out – whatever, we should not give these things more attention or time of meditation (thinking and dwelling on) than the things of God. I have a situation going right now that I have been giving way too much time meditating on it; worrying when God told us not to worry or be anxious for ANYTHING! The devil, our adversary, is going around trying to distract us from the things of God. We cannot let him do this; we must not, and I am talking to myself first. Does God want me to work out and be healthy? Yes, 1 Corinthians 6:19 says that our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit. You know garbage in, garbage out; good in, good out. Being healthy is a good thing; God is not trying withhold good things from us, but we need to have our priorities straight. And if we say to God, Our God, that we’re going to do something, then we should do it. We shouldn’t procrastinate, put it off for tomorrow. Let’s get about the things of God. Let’s keep our Word to Him; He has definitely kept His Word to us. 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, 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!!!

My Manner of Life

Let me tell you the devil is busy. He knows that his time is winding down, and he is throwing everything at us including the kitchen sink. Whew! All I can say is “Come Lord Jesus!” But remember things that we see are temporal, they are subject to change, and they can and will change for the better. Just hold on and don’t let go (I’m talking to myself too). 1 Peter 3:1-2 states: Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. This is referring to the husband and wife relationship, but I think it can be applied to any relationship and to no relationship at all. It’s telling the wife to live her life according to the Word of God before her husband who might not believe the Word; that without her even speaking a word, can win him by how she conducts herself. I believe that as Christians, male or female, win others by their manner or way of life. When you boldly proclaim the Word of God, or that you are a Christian (lay-person or anyone in the ministry), people begin to watch you. There is a spotlight on your life. They will begin to pay close attention to how you handle situations. They’ll begin to watch how you interact with others, and at your conversation. Now, I don’t think people expect for Christians (lay-person or anyone who holds an office in the church) to be perfect. If we are perfect, then let us go ahead and be with Jesus. When they see you walking away from a fight, or they hear you saying “Thank Jesus, I roll this care over on you”, people see that, and they hear it; even though, the situation calls for action, even anger. They are not hearing you say “Thank You, Jesus” and in the next breath cursing out Sally-Sue. It might not be obvious, but people are watching you; they are listening to you. Anyone in the ministry – pastor, pastor wife/first lady, evangelist, Sunday school teachers, deacons, ushers, writers/bloggers for Christ, even lay-people should conduct ourselves, to best of our ability, according to the Word of God. Mark 9:42 says “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” That doesn’t sound too good to me. I know you’re probably saying ‘Oh, this is talking about little children.” How many of you know that we have adults and young people in the church that are new to the faith, and we call them babes in Christ, though they are not literal babies or toddlers? So even in this if our manner of life does not line up with the Word of God, we could cause someone to stumble and lose the faith. It would be better for us to get a large stone and sink ourselves to the bottom of the sea. What other fate could be possibly worse than that??? How about being thrown into a fiery hell for all eternity where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth? I’d say that is by far a more horrible fate. James 3:1 states: Not many [of you] should become teachers ([a]self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation]. Pastors, pastor’s wives, evangelist, deacons and others who hold office in the church, this is talking about you. It is saying that though is a good thing, that not many should pursue these “titles”. You will be judge by a higher standard, and with greater severity. You hear about pastors on the news having inappropriate relationships with their people in their congregation; they might not know it, but they will be judged by this higher standard and with greater severity. Those who are not preaching/teaching the Truth will be dealt with in the manner as well. We have no clue as to who might be watching us, but God does; He sees and hears all. It is very important, as Sons and Daughters of the Most High, that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is pleasing in God’s sight. Wouldn’t it be great to get to Heaven and find out that some made it because they watched you and came to know and live their life for Christ? If there have been little nick-picking things, incident or even big things going on, and it seems like they have been constant – every time you open your eyes or turn around - causing your manner of life to be other than that of Christ, know that God sees you and is with you. God, The Holy Spirit, is here to counsel and teach us how to walk away, how to calm ourselves and do and say what Jesus would do and say. It can be done! And for people you have to “put them in their place”, there’s a way to say what you have to say, walk away and your point has gotten across. We must show forth the Love of Christ in our daily walk; that way our manner of life is sure to reflect His Love which is His ultimate message. 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, 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!!!

Don't Let the Devil Play You!

Well, I am so grateful that Jesus is seated at the right-hand of God; that He ever lives to make intercession for me and my family. Jesus lives BIG on the inside of me. In this, I know that I am truly blessed of the Lord – blessed and cannot be cursed. Don’t let the devil play you is the title of this blog, and yesterday I let the devil do just that. Ya’ll know I always tell it on myself, but I do this so that the devil can’t hold anything over me. I am not perfect; in fact, nowhere near perfect, but I do strive for perfection in Jesus. All I can say is ♫Please, be patient with me, God is not through with me yet. When God get through with me, I shall come forth as pure gold♫. When I get played by the devil, I simply ask the Lord for forgiveness, and it is put under the Blood. He is faithful and just to forgive us of all of our sins. Now we as Christians do NOT habitually sin, but there are instances where we find ourselves in situations where we allow the devil to play us – just as I did yesterday. My husband was out of town because there was a death in the family, and he went to pay his respects. So I had to pleasure of walking our two grown Dobermans along with my six (6), four (4) and almost two (2) years kiddos. My landlord had stopped by to check on a lock issue and had helped me to bring the dogs in for their walk. It was probably around 10:20AM after their walk, and I let them out on the balcony to eat, as I had promised my neighbor I would do since she’s afraid of the dogs. Well, she failed to mention that she had family down for the July 4th holiday. Her mom stepped out on the balcony, and what do you think my Dobermans did? You are correct; they barked. Of course, she begins to yell, and became belligerent. I started out good, but no one likes being yelled and least of all me. I asked her why she just didn’t let me know she had family over because I would have feed the dogs around their schedules. She knows that I feed the everyday, for her benefit, after 10AM every day. She said she didn’t have to tell me anything. Ok, this is when everything began to go downhill, because I began to raise my voice. After this whole confrontation Proverbs 18:6 comes to mind: The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. Now, if this had been somebody other than me, she might have gotten a good beaten. I mean this lady, a grown woman - probably old enough to be my mom, was just yelling and going off. But we, Christians, who name the Name of the Lord, should strive to represent Christ for Christ Jesus is love. I should have just told her that I would bring the dogs in and left it at that, but I let my flesh get the best of me and got played by the devil. Sometimes you have to let argumentative people argue by themselves - I know this. We live too close, townhomes, to have unnecessary strife between us. All of this could have been avoided if she had just let me know she had family over. They had every right to come out onto her balcony, as I have every right to bring my dogs out. But someone has to be the mature one, and in this case neither of us was mature. I did regain composure, and apologized to her mom for the dogs scaring her, but this didn't have to happen; simple communication would have prevented this from happening. James 3:16 states: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. I told my neighbor that the “deal” of feeding the dogs at 10AM was off, but I’m not going to let the devil play me any further than he already has. I will continue to do this for her. Like I said before, God is love, and He has instructed us in Matthew 5:44 to Love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them which despitefully use us, and persecute us. This I also know, but I allow the enemy/devil using her to play me, and I am woman enough to admit when I’ve been played. But you know what, I still win in Jesus’ name. I belong to Christ Jesus, and when those trumpets blow, and Jesus says “Come up hither” I will be going up, leaving foolishness and this world behind me. If you can, don’t allow yourself to be drawn into unnecessary strife; be the “bigger person” and walk away. Time is definitely ticking; Jesus will be back before we know it, and the devil is pulling out all the stops to keep us from doing the Word/Will of God in our lives. Look at all the things going on in the world, and all at the same time. Things are getting into place for our Lord Jesus’ return. Don’t let yourself get distracted and don’t let yourself get played – like me : (. 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, 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!!!

Love is an Action Word

Today I want to talk about love. Love is a beautiful, powerful thing. Love can bring out the best and sometimes the worst in us – sometimes I smother the kids : (. But I do this because I love them; I want them to know that Mommy will always be there for them, and that I am available to them. That’s one of the reasons I love being at stay-at-home mom, and hope that I can continue to be that mom. As a mom, I make sure that my kids have everything that they need, and some of the things they want - they don’t just get everything. I DO this because I love them, and I want to see them happy. I try my best to cook healthy, some of my husband’s favorite dishes because I love to see my husband enjoy his meals; it gives me joy see my family enjoy dinner or whatever I’ve cooked. I DO these things because I love my family very much. Husbands and wives should say that they love each other. I love to hear my husband say “I love you”. But I also think it is important for both the husband and the wife to show, with actions, that they love each other, because just saying the words is not enough. I notice when my husband has seen that all week, as a stay-at-home mom, I’ve had to deal with the kids and need a break, and he decides to give the kids a bath. Or when he will go from store to store to bring me something that he knows I like, I see that; I appreciate that. He could have stopped at the first, and when they didn’t have it that it would be the end. In a marriage, each spouse should think about ‘What can I do to make their life happier, more enjoyable’. I think if more marriage would think this way, we would see happier, healthier and successful marriages. Don’t just say “I love you”; show, with action, how much you love. I think about some of the Lifetime movies I’ve seen where the husband tells his wife he loves her every day, but is having an affair on the side – that is not love. When you love your spouse you will honor not only the person, but the marriage relationship. You would make sure not do the thing(s) that would anger your spouse. I’ve heard that some men think their wives look “sexy when angry”. What?? That should never happen or even said. Husbands are to dwell with the wives according to marriage; that's the Word of God. Instead you would try your very best to please your spouse, and do what you could to make their lives happy. It’s the same with our relationship with God. His action of giving His only Son to die for us so that we could be reconciled back unto Him is one of the greatest act of love I know; the other is Jesus dying for us even though we were siners. I am so glad that God loves us some much. Not only did He give us His Son, but He gave us His Word so that we can live good, healthy and prosperous lives. He has given us a handbook for life, the Bible, so there is no question as to what He expects of us. He has given us authority to speak His Word, and see it manifested in our lives, in our loved one lives. He has given us everything; the least we can do is live for Him. Jesus died so that we can have life. We have the Blood of Jesus, and it has the Power of Healing and Protection. He took stripes on His back so that we can be healed. He lived a sinless life so that He could be the Lamb that was slain so through that selfless act we could be saved; so that we could escape the torment of Hell, and live in Heaven. Love is an action word. That means you have DO something; move around; not just merely speaking words. Reward your children to show how much you are proud them, and that you love them, hug and kiss them often. Look to see how you can put a smile on your spouse face, other than sex (it’s not all about that). Listen to your spouse, and you will hear of all the ways you can make them happy in the smallest of ways. Most important, take the time to tell God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit how much you love and appreciate all They do for you and your family. Take the time to praise and worship God. During prayer, don’t just make your request known, but love on God. And even more important than telling Them, show Them by keeping the commandments, by speaking the Word in your lives and by walking according to the Word of God. God knows that we aren’t perfect, but to the best of your ability, with the help of the Holy Spirit, live your life for God. This is how we can show our love to God. You have read/study the Word, pray, help others – Love = Action! 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, 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!!!

INTEGRITY!

One of thing in today’s society that was prevalent that is now decreasing is integrity. Before a man’s (person’s) word or a mere hand shake could be trusted; a person would do what they promised/said they would do, uphold an agreement where the terms of the deal are accurate and true. What is integrity? Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, moral uprightness. There are many in our society do not have this quality. If a person has “true” integrity – not just “lip service”, they would not lie, try to “get over” on others, true to their word, and will not hurt others. The Word of God says a man would transgress you for a piece of bread. But even when someone lies or think they are getting over on you in whatever way, we are to do good to them and in doing so we, Christians, are heaping coals of fire on their heads (Luke 6:27). In other words, they are doing a disservice to themselves. Second Timothy 3:2-4 state in the last days: For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane. 3 [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good. 4 [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God. In a nutshell, this passage is saying people will lack integrity. People will be lovers of themselves, without natural affection (callous and inhuman); they will not take into consideration of what they are doing to harm others. People will scheme and lie to increase their own wealth, their own agenda doing great harm in seeming harmless ways – what they do may be lawfully right, but not Godly right – no integrity. There are those in our world who will scheme and do underhanded things knowing that they are exaggerating the price or the accuracy and truthfulness of what they are saying is not right. Proverbs 28:20 states: A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich [at any cost] shall not go unpunished. In other words and man/person with integrity shall be blessed, and a man/person without integrity will not go unpunished – he will be cursed. He or she will get their just reward or non-reward. People who operate like this hands are unclean. Proverbs 11:3 states: The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the willful contrariness and crookedness of the treacherous shall destroy them. Proverbs 19:1 also states: Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his speech and is a [self-confident] fool. It is the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil; not money itself – the LOVE. People have lost loved ones and good friends because they cared about money more than the relationship. I really don’t know how people live with themselves or sleep at night knowing that they are lying; not truthful. Proverbs 6:12-19 states things that God hates: seven that are an abomination: 12 A worthless person, a wicked man, Walks with a perverse mouth; 13 He winks with his eyes, He shuffles his feet, He points with his fingers; 14 Perversity is in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord. 15 Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. 16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren These people know that they are being crooked, and think they are getting over on you, but this will destroy them in the end. It will hurt them much more than you. They may seem to have won, but God will have the last say. For vengeance is the Lord and He will repay. Don’t worry if someone has dealt with you without integrity. God sees all; even if you are unaware, God knows. Don’t stoop down to their level with tiff-for-tat or pray ill-will on them. Anything we can try do to them is nothing compared to what God will repay them for acting without integrity in all their crookedness. You do as God has instructed and love your enemies; reach out to them with compassion. Don’t let what anyone has said or done control you, consuming your life and your thoughts. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone is giving you a hard time or has done something underhanded, take the time to pray for that person. It’s hard not to pray doom and gloom on them, but pray God’s blessing on them and their family; pray that they come to know Christ. You win; they do not! You might be wondering what someone has done to me for me to write so strongly about this topic. I say “Nothing my God cannot and is not handling.” Stand firm and watch the salvation of your God! 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, 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!!!

Just a Reminder.........

Good Morning and Praise the Lord! As you have seen from the "Breaking News" all this week of the Boston Marathon bombing, the ricin letters sent to Senator Wicker and President Obama to the explosion in West, Texas, there has been alot of lost of lives, changed lives and the potential of fear. There have been wars and rumor of wars - North Korea, Iran and Israel, the Muslism uprising, international and domestic terrorism, but do not let fear come in, do not let your heart be troubled; these things must happen, but it is only the beginning (Matthew 24:4-8). We have already been warned of these times, and we know the meaning of them. Things are getting in place for the return of our Lord Jesus. I want to remind you this morning to continue to pray, continue to walk according to the Word of God. Please continue to evaluate your life to make sure it lines up with the Word of God. Continue to plead the very Blood of Jesus over you and your family, your workplace, your child(ren) school(s)and over the paths you walk each and everyday. There is Power in the Blood of Jesus, not only to heal, but there is the Power of Protection in the Blood of Jesus. Remember to acknowledge your Guardian Angels that God has given charge over you and your family to protect you in all your ways of obedience. Remember that, and confess, that God never leaves you nor will he forsake you; He is with you everywhere that you go. Remember when you pray to take time to listen to the Holy Spirit. There were many people during the 911 incident that said that "something" told them to go into work late, or to take a different route, or to stop and get breakfast. I believe that was the Holy Spirit. Remember everyday to love, laugh and pray for your family. The devil, our adversary, is roaming around seeking whom he can devour. Do not let anyone deceive either. There are some in the church who are accepting that which does not line up with the Word of God. Do your own research of the Word to see if what your pastor, mother, father, sister and brothers in the Lord are saying is the Truth - The Word of God! Also remember to put on your armor which God has given us to use to withstand the wilds, the tricks of the enemy. So continue to pray, live for Christ! Hold on and don't let go! 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, 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!!!

But God.........

You know I’ve learned and still learning, that when God speaks – whether He speaks through His Word, directly to your spirit or through a man or woman of God (make sure it bears witness to your spirit) – our response should be “Yes Lord”. But how many of you know that the enemy, the devil, sometimes talks to us too. When the enemy tries to remind you of the person you use to be, brings up a past deed that’s under the Blood or is constantly bringing up the hard situation you’re going through now, your response (our response) should be “But God”! Everything the devil tries to bring up or say to you, there’s at least one “But God” to throw right back at him. Only a few know of the hard times my family and I have just come through. My husband, who has supported our family faithfully, was let go from his job like so many others Americans. We had just had our youngest son, Gianni, and a week later he was let go. Never in a million years would I have thought something like this would happen to my family, but it did. My husband went on many interviews and had countless phone interviews. We were receiving unemployment of a whole $222 a week for our family of five (5) now. The money we had saved went so fast like we had holes in our pockets. I had to really swallow my pride. I had to apply for food stamps, and my children were on Medicaid. This was not supposed to happen to us. We were tithers. I worked in the church; yet this still happened to us – it does rain on the just and the unjust alike. It’s funny now, but when I first got my food stamp card I was so embarrassed. On my first grocery visit, I asked my mom to go with me because I was just too embarrassed to go alone. I know, I know…… a grown woman needs her mommy to go to the store with her. It got better; I just reminded myself that my kids needed to eat, and eat they did – they eat like adults. So I thank God the food stamps were there. Through this time, there was some serious spiritual warfare going on; I really had to fight the good fight of faith. The enemy would tell me that I was failure, but I knew this was a lie. I would remind the enemy “But God told me in His Word that whatever I set my hands to prospers”. I have a prosperous family – I am prosperous as a wife, a mother, child of God. The devil would tell me “You’re going to have to be on food stamps for the rest of your life. You’re just a statistic”. But God supplies ALL of my needs according to His riches, not mine, not what I have in the bank, but according to His RICHES in glory through and by Christ Jesus. He is Jehovah Jirah, my provider. God is my Sheppard, and I lack NOTHING!! I confessed this EVERYDAY. And you know what, even though we were on food stamps and Medicaid, My God continuously opened up doors of financial opportunity for us. My husband is an IT Guy. Just when the devil would tell me “You’re not going to have enough money for all the bills this month”, someone would call and ask Aaron to fix their computer. We NEVER missed a bill (we did have to make an arrangement a couple of times for our rent, but it was always paid within the month). BUT GOD!!! My confident trust has strengthened due this hardship in my God. Yes, I wished it could have been strengthen another way, an easier way, but Your way Lord. There isn’t anything He can’t do. If you have the GREATER ONE living on the inside of you - I don’t care what you are going through, you WIN! I don’t care what the devil may say “BUT GOD!” You are not going under; you’re an overcomer, in Jesus’ Name. You are not cursed; you are blessed. You are blessed in the city, and you are blessed in the country. You’re on top and not beneath. Just continue to say what God has already said. No matter what you are faced with – But God! Not matter what the others or the devil may say “But God”! Don’t go out like that; stand firm and confident that YOUR Lord, God can and will take care of you, bring you through victoriously and is more than able to deliver you! BUT GOD! Two small words, but if you can believe them they have the power to change your outlook and your situation. But God – Do you believe? We win! 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, 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!!!

He has RISEN!!!

Well, Praise the Lord! We just celebrated one of the most important days in the Christian Faith - The Ressurrection of Jesus Christ. If anyone tells you that Jesus was just a "good man", they are sadly mistaken and WRONG! Don't let them tell you that Jesus was not God; He was God made flesh. Just as I wear many hats (Shan the Wife, Shan the Mother, Shan the Daughter - Thanks mom for the clarity), God is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. God said "Let US make man in our image." If someone tells you that Jesus is not worthy of your praise, well............. I'll keep my opinion on that and say just pray for them. He gave His LIFE so that we can boldly enter the Throne Room of God; so that we can be reconciled back unto Father; so that we can call God - Father, Dear Father (Abba Father). Get in the Word of God and know It for yourself. Don't rely on what others say lest you allow deception to enter. I am not saying to not listen to others, but go search out the Word of God for yourself to make sure what they are saying is in line with the Word of God; that it bares witness with your Spirit. We are in the Last Days, and the Word of God tells us that even the "Elect" (Those that know the Word) will be deceived. Ask the God, The Holy Spirit, to help you not be deceived; He is the Helper, The Councilor. Now more than ever we need to know the Word of God. Be bold and stand up for what you believe. Do not be afraid to tell others that would say things, like above, what you believe is Truth. It is time for the Body of Christ to be BOLD, and stand up for our Lord, Jesus, and the Word of God. And for those who would argue when Jesus was "really risen" I say "I don't care when it happened, but THAT it happened". I don't care if Jesus wasn't born on exactly December 25th, but that He was BORN. It Happened. He was Born, He died, and He Rose AGAIN. He is seated at the right hand of God, and is soon coming again. Things are getting in place for His return. Don't be caught off guard, distracted and without enough "oil" as the five foolish brides - I'm talking to myself first. Be ever watchful, ready. My mom and I were talking about how it will be "unpopular" to wear the name "Christian" soon; it's already happening and some are abandoning what they believed for years. Don't give in to the ways of this world. Stand for Truth - The Word of God. 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, 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!!!

GET UP!

Proverbs 24:16 states: Even if godly people fall down seven times, they always get up. But those who are evil are brought down by trouble. Whether you fall into sin, because of disappointment (in yourself or due to others) or because you feel like you have failed – GET UP! Now, we as Children of God do not habitually (knowingly, practice) sin either (1 John 3:6 NIV). Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only one plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before our generous God who has great plans for us in Christ — eternal and glorious plans they are! — will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does (1 Peter 5:8 MSG). The devil doesn’t get the last word – God does – GET UP! God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He knows your end, and your end says “You WIN!” GET UP! He knows the thoughts and plans He has for you; they are thoughts of good and not of evil to give us a hope, an expected end! GET UP! We also know our enemy’s end, and he is defeated. The things we go through are temporal; they are subject to change and as Children of God they will change for the better – GET UP! What you are going through right now might seem too hard, but with God NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE (Mark 10:27)! We have to know and believe it with all our heart. All things, not “some” things, but ALL Things work out for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) – GET UP! That’s me; that’s YOU! GET UP! No matter how or when you fall know that God loves you and will forgive you. So you don’t have to stay down; you can GET UP! Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5). Only YOU can make the choice to GET UP! You are not defeated; you are the Righteousness in God through Christ Jesus! Victory is yours – it’s ours! Just GET UP! 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, 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!!!