Be Encouraged Today!: Focus on the Good

Be Encouraged Today!: Focus on the Good: Well Happy New Year!!! Another year has come and gone! We’ve had good times and not so good times. In life, the not so good times can ov...

Focus on the Good

Well Happy New Year!!! Another year has come and gone! We’ve had good times and not so good times. In life, the not so good times can overshadow the good times. The not so good cut us the deepest and can be louder and longer lasting than the good times. Some of us dwell of the bad much more than we do the good. The Year 2015 has definitely given us plenty of bad stuff to dwell in our country. Racial tensions are the worst I’ve seen in my 39 years of living. Trust has diminished drastically with law enforcement. Unarmed black men being killed/gunned down by those who are serve and protect. Innocent people are being murdered in what should be the safest place on Earth – A Church. The Confederate Flag being removed that represents part of this country’s history – good and bad, but neither side tries to understand the other’s point of view. Terrorism is at an all-time high, and the trust of the Muslim community of our country is being scrutinized on every front, and perhaps they should. A husband and wife abandon their baby so they can murder people at a company Christmas party pledging their allegiance to worst enemy this country has had in years - ISIS. Everywhere we turn we are hearing wars and rumors of wars. Division is more prevalent these days; hatred more evident. And did I mention we have the worst selection of candidates to choose from to lead our country in 2016. Yep, there’s a lot of bad, but if you look closely you can see good.

Though we live in United States of America with all its seemingly bad stuff, we live in a free society. We can make our voices known and heard. Women have rights equal to men. Women aren’t beaten because we dress a certain way or if we stand to close to man. We are not just “toys” to pleasures men. We do not live in fear of having our heads chopped off. We have the right to gather and protest against injustice. We are not gassed and bombed by our government because we disagree with it. These are liberties not afforded in other countries. Yes, we have our issues, but we are better off than a lot of other countries.

In my own life, I try my best to focus on the good. We just purchased a beautiful in Georgia.

We have good, friendly neighbors. All the kids in our cul de sac, whether black or white, young or old, love to play with each other. Sometimes I look at them and wonder why life can’t be that simple. You’re outside and I’m outside, so let’s play together! Why can’t we all get along like that? We are all here on this Planet Earth, and you would think we could find a way to get along where we could all live in peace. I think of 1 Thessalonians 5:3 when I think of peace too. When they say “Peace and safety, then sudden destruction shall come and there will be no escape”. But this shouldn’t matter to those of us who belong to Christ. This is also a good thing, and we should always focus on it – We belong to Christ Jesus! We know and have been forewarned that there shall be trials and tribulation that shall come upon the Earth. Men (mankind) will be lovers of themselves; this is why we are seeing such a great disregard for life; humanity has dimished. Focus on the good that Christ represents for us. He represents love, acceptance, healing, prosperity, power and redemption. These are good things; and if you have Him, Jesus, as Lord of your life, you have something “Good” to focus on. I always tell my mom “I just need something good to happen” because there seemed to be a lot of bad all the time. What I didn’t realize was that something good already happened for me, to me. Jesus died on the crossed for me and arose three (3) days later, and is seated at the right hand of God, and I accepted this and am now saved. Knowing that I will be caught up with all my brothers and sisters in Christ when the Lord says “Come up hither” is the greatest “Good”! This is what we should focus on. For the things we see now are temporal, they are subject to change, but being with Christ Jesus is eternal. Losing a loved one or a job, going through a divorce; these things all hurt and will hurt for some time. But in time, that hurt diminishes you’re your life goes on. It’s not to say that it won’t bother you ever again, but you will go one or find another love, another job. Temporal, they are subject to change. God never changes; He is the same today as He was yesterday or since the beginning of time.

As you reflect on what happened in 2015, focus on the good. Yes there was some bad stuff. Maybe you lost a loved one, did or said something you shouldn’t have, got divorced; no matter what the bad was Jesus is the constant good that will last until the end of time. In 2016, make the choice to focus and appreciate all the good whether big or small. Give God thanks and praise for everything, all the time. If the bad should come, remember that you made the right choice to follow Jesus and have something good to focus on. If there should be another mass shooting or terrorist attack on US soil, remember that God loved us enough to warn us that these things were going to happen. Things have to happen to get into place for the return of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords – Jesus!

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!

Nothing Like a Crisis or Two.........

I read a FaceBook post that said: “If you only pray when you’re in trouble, then you are in trouble”. People that do this are in real BIG trouble. We have all gotten busy with life and our careers. When things are going well financially, relationally and physically, well it’s not that we don’t love God, but we sometimes tend to not fellowship with Him as much. There’s nothing we really need, but we always need His Word; the crisis hasn’t surprised us yet. Yes, we still praise him, and we still pray, but we don’t seek His face as would when “trouble” comes a knocking. I think some people think that God is a “suga daddy”; they are only in it for what God can do for them. Well you can’t fool God; He knows exactly what you are doing. If you are ever wondering why your prayer hasn’t been answered; it’s because God has “pulled your card”. We will get on face when our feet are being held to the fire, or if a loved one is sick or ourselves. When that bill is due or money is needed, we know to call on the Name of Lord. We’ve all been there before. There’s nothing like a crisis or two to cause you to refocus back on God. It really shouldn’t come to that, but we have got to learn to stay focus on God especially in these last days. I’ve talked about distractions, but now more than ever we have got to remove all distractions. Distractions are there to get your focus off God. Distraction will have your mind going nonstop where you’re not praying and reading the Word of God like you use to. I know because when I have things going on in my life, I am always trying to figure out how to fix it. It’s not until I slow down and get quiet that I can remove that distraction and focus on God, His Word. What does the Word of God say about my situation? There is a solution to ALL of the problems we will ever face in the B-I-B-L-E. This is why would should always fellowship with God, keeping His Word ever ready in our mouth (Deuteronomy 30:14). The Word of God tells us to meditate on His Word day and night (Joshua 1:8 and Psalms 1:2); not for just one day and one night, or one day or night out of the week – it says day and night. The word “and” is a continuous word which means you keep on doing it. Whether the “crisis” comes because of the enemy messing with us or because we aren’t doing what we are supposed to do, having the Word of God every ready even in our mouths gives us the advantage of “nipping it in the bud” quickly.

1 Corinthians 1:9 states:

God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

It says that God has called us into to fellowship with Jesus. Now, I do not believe this is a “one-time” thing, but a continuous fellowship everyday with Jesus. Like I said before, we all get busy in life, but there of some that do not pray or read the Word of God at all; furthermore, they do not follow the Truths of God Word. They want to live their lives the way they want to, but want God to be there to “fix” or “deliver” them out of their crisis. When you’re not walking according to God’s Truth, His Word, then you’re in sin (James 4:17), and sin causes God’s Hand of Protection to be removed from our lives. God doesn’t cause bad things in our lives, but sometimes we are not walking according to His Word that causes us to have trouble. Crisis’ come from one of three thing:
1.
The enemy is messing with us and trying to distract us from God 2. We are not walking according to the Word of God or 3. We need to put our trust in God and not in man or things. Sometime we think we are trusting God, and we’re not.

One day we are going to “get it”. We are going to realize that we have to fellowship with God during the good and the bad times and all points in between. We’ll get to the point where we won’t have to say “Well, it’s nothing like a crisis or two to get me to turn my focus back on the Lord”. It doesn’t and shouldn’t be this way. Bad things shouldn’t have to happen to us to get us back in line or on our faces. We need to desire and ask the Holy Spirit to help turn us back to our First Love, Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I can do without a crisis or two or three or four. But should a crisis arise, I thank the Lord that His Word is written on the tablets of my heart and are ever ready even in my mouth to be spoken concerning any situations, trials or tribulations. Make the commit to refocus, to return to your First Love, Jesus. We are going to need the Word of God readily available in these last days. You won’t be able to look up a scripture online or on your smart phone every time a crisis arises. Gear up on the Word, it will never fail you. The Word is God, and God never fails!

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!

Second Chances

You know, sometimes when I’m alone and its quiet I think how lucky I am to know God, His Word. I am lucky to be surrounded by those who know and love Him like I do. I’m surrounded by those who are able to impart into my life when I am down. I know that I am blessed to have God and people that know and love God in my life. I know that God loves me unconditionally, and I have people that love me in spite of my shortcomings. I guess I am smart and lucky to have surrounded myself with people like that in my life, and have removed those who do not. I love my mom; she is always there to turn me back in the right direction. I love that she doesn’t let me get away with anything! She is a By-the-Bible type of mom, and if what I am doing or saying doesn’t line up with the Word of God, she will definitely let me know. She also lets me know when I’m talking “crazy” or “like a fool”. I love you Mom for not “sugar-coating” anything for me because God doesn’t sugar-coat anything in His Word. His Word is His Word; it does not change to fit any of our situation or circumstances the way “we”want it to. I know it’s hard to believe that “I” would have foolish things that do not line up with the Word of God, come out of my mouth. I, knowing the Word of God as I do, sometimes say and do things that are out of line with His Word which is His Will for my life. I thank God that I know to quickly repent so that I can learn and grow.

God loves all of us! He loves us so much that He gave His ONLY son to die for us, so that we might be reconciled back unto Him. God gives us second chances to get it right. He knows that we have to deal with this world and our flesh. Sometimes I say stuff like “Bad stuff happens to me all the time”. That is a dumb and stupid thing I use to say. I was speaking evil and not good over my life. It is totally out of line with God’s Word. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever (Psalms 23:6). And if you are saying things like this REPENT! God knows the plan and thoughts He has towards us; they are thoughts of GOOD and NOT evil to give us hope, a future, a wonderful end (Jeremiah 29:110! God gives us second chances when we say and/or do stupid stuff.

When we do things that are out of line with His Word, he gives us second chances to get it right! God wants us to succeed, to make it to Heaven. It is not His will that ANY man shall perish (2 Peter 3:9). I don’t think that God only gives us second chances; if that were the case, a lot of us would be headed for Hell. I think that God gives us second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth chances in every area of our lives. Now this does not give us a license to sin, and believe me, God knows the difference. You can NOT fool Him. We do not habitually sin; you don’t go “sin” and say “I’ll repent when I’m done.” No, that’s not the way it works. What I’m trying to say here is that don’t allow the enemy, the devil, to keep in the place of guilt. When we repent of any of our sin and sincerely mean it, God flings our sins as far as the East is from the West; never to be remembered again (Psalms 103:12). Don’t allow the devil to keep you from repenting! God is MORE than able to forgive us of our sin. When we sincerely repent and turn from that sin, it is under the Blood of Jesus! Please don’t allow the devil or anyone else to bring up old things or even recent things (sins) that you have placed under the Blood. When someone brings it up, say “Yes but it is under the Blood, and I have been redeemed from the curse of the law. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.” Because Jesus had not returned yet, the Rapture hasn’t taken place, you still have a chance to make Him your Lord and Savior. Don’t put this off; your chance to do this will not be there forever.

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!

Never NOT Pray!

Never Not Pray!
Well praise the Lord. God is good and worthy of our praise. God is doing great things, amazing things are happening. Just stay with God, trust Him and continue to pray. No matter what your current situation is, keep talking to God. No matter where you are in life, don’t get out of the race. Towards the end of the race is when you have to push the hardest to cross the finish line. You might can’t see it yet or believe it, but your Salvation is near.

I recently viewed a YouTube video of a church skit that showed a woman walking with God and fellowshipping with Him. Then the things and people of this world slowly lured her away from God. You might say this can’t happen to me; I’ll never leave God. I hope you are right. Anyway, she was trying her best to get back to God, but the things of this world had a stronghold on her. She didn’t like where she was in life or what she was doing and was about to take her life. BUT God! She called on the name of the Lord and kept pressing towards Him, and He was waiting there with open arms and cleansed her of all her unrighteousness. (Skit video: https://video-atl1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xap1/v/t42.1790-2/10292902_10203576261714333_1925222995_n.mp4?oh=28dde0315dde0ed61f99b05ab84cb725&oe=55B80A4F

I have been this woman several times in my life. Yes, I have my strongholds, my demons, I struggle (or use to struggle with – speaking my Faith, not my fears) with, and it ain’t pretty. We all have things in our lives that aren’t pretty, and that try to resurface to distract us from God. Though everyone’s “something” might be different, it’s still there and has to be dealt with. I have learned to continue to pray even when I’m not in a “right place”, but in the past I didn’t; I wouldn’t. I thought I didn’t deserve to ask anything of God, not healing, deliverance or peace. I knew the Word of God, and still continued in the wrong way. I thought I didn’t deserve His help. How many of you know that that is a lie from the pits of Hell. I do! Spiritual warfare is REAL! The enemy is ramping up, increasing, his attacks. The devil is increasing his attacks on our minds, bodies, monies, loved ones – you name it! The devil knows his time is short, and he’s trying to take as many with him as he can.

Never NOT pray! I don’t care if every day you fall into some form of sin, continue to sincerely repent and pray. No, we don’t habitually sin, but sometimes things have such a hold on us we’re back in it. PRAY! Don’t stop! Never quit! Always pray! Some of us have stinking thinking where you feel that you are always defeated nothing good ever happens to you, and then you speak it out of your mouth. Stop that – Pray! And if you let it come out of your mouth and realize it, repent! Go immediately and say “Lord, forgive for what I just. I am blessed, I am healed, and I am victorious”. Whatever you said that didn’t line up with His Word, undo it, repent! Your life is not all doom and gloom. Don’t wallow in your strongholds. Yes, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, but don’t stay there! Get up! You are the righteousness in God through Christ Jesus! You are the healed, you are more than a conqueror, you are victorious, and God has set you free; and whom God has set free, is free indeed! Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved! Just say “Help me Jesus”. He already knows what we have need of; we just have to ask. We have not because we ask not! ASK! He sees you and knows your heart. He knows that you don’t like where you are or what you are doing and want to change. Sometimes these strongholds have gotten their hooks and tentacles so deep and tight you feel you can’t get free. Jesus has already made a way of deliverance for us! Call upon Him! Call His name out loud!

Never give up! Never not pray!

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Remember there's a sinners prayer on this site. If you have backslid or haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is Good, then say this prayer. I know all of this sounds too fantastical to be real, but don't take the chance that it’s not and be left behind. There's a moment that will happen, in a twinkling of an eye, and those of us who belong to Christ Jesus will be with Him forever and ever. If you say this prayer contact me, and let me encouraged and personally welcome you into God's Kingdom.

LOVE!

Well Praise the Lord! All I can really say before I get into the “meat” of this post is “Come Lord Jesus!” I will say that this is the most hatred I have seen in America in a very long time, and this is on both sides of the races. Instead of listening and understanding, we are calling each other horrible names and lumping each particular race to ALL the people of those races, and that’s not fair. All blacks don’t hate white people or shoot innocent cops, and not all white people hate blacks and shoot innocent black while in church. We have rotten apples in both barrels. I’m going to address some of those things, and get ready because a lot of you are not going to like them – and that’s on both sides.

First, I want to address the “victory” for homosexuals in our nation. Those who know me know that I don’t condone that lifestyle. To me, it unnatural, and I believe that God didn’t intend for sexual relations to be between a man and a man or a woman and a woman. God made us all in His image, and He told us to be fruitful and increase in number. ONLY a man and a woman can increase the number of people.

Genesis 1:27-28New International Version (NIV) 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Now if you are a Christian and believe in the Word of God, then this should be enough for you. Also 1 Corinthians 7:2, from the New Testament, 1Corinthians 7:2 states:

2 But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.

Again, these are not my word, but the Word of God – The B-I-B-L-E.

Now, I say let them get married, not because I believe or condone this lifestyle, but because they will have to answer to God anyway for their choice. I AM NOT JUDGING THE HOMOSEXUAL! I am only following my belief in the Word of God. As you can see for yourself, homosexuality goes AGAINST what God intended. I say these words especially to those who profess to be Christians and live and support this lifestyle. If anyone choose to go against God, then let them, and when the trump blows they will have their reward. To all the homosexuals out there, I love you, I truly do; I just don’t like how you live. But it is your choice. Choose YOU this day, for God has set before us all LIFE and DEATH – choose life so that you may live (Deuteronomy 30:15 & 19). That all I have to say on this matter.

Now let’s talk about the taking down of the Confederate Flag. If there has been any misunderstanding and inconsiderateness going on this week, it concerning this flag. I will say this…. I DO NOT believe that the Confederate Flag should be taken down. It is a part of ALL of OUR history – good or bad. It is history. By remembering our history, we and our children are allowed to learn, grow and do better as a society. Now, the Confederate Flag was waved during the Civil War between the North and the South. The North was encroaching on the South’s way of living, wanting the fertile soil and crops (clip note versions). But it also had to do with slavery. Yes, there were some blacks that fought on the side of the South, but many fled to the North to fight their freedom in this country. Yes the North was encroaching on the South way of life, and owning slaves was part of that “part of life”. It happened and it is OUR history. I am not offended by the Confederate Flag in and of itself, but it does “somewhat” offends me when it is used by Whites as a symbol of Hatred towards my race – Black America. Yes, there were group, like the KKK, that used this flag as their symbol of hate; this cannot be denied. It happened – IT ALL HAPPENED! We as a nation have gotten better; we learned, we grew and we are a better PEOPLE – a better NATION. Don’t let HISTORY destroy this! There is so much hate from blacks and whites, it’s sickening.

Last but not least, I want to talk about my fellow Christians and Obama. Now I will say, I do not agree with our president on many things, and most know this. He holds the highest office in our country, and I believe he should do better in his choices. President Obama if you have any questions, contact me ; ). I have heard some awful thing about this president, and just as a Black American, it is just plain sad. I read one post that said “Obama, it’s called the “White House”, so get your black ass out!” What?! I’ve seen posts with pictures of people throwing up, and the text says “This is what I feel like when I see Obama.” Most of these posts come from my fellow White brothers and sisters in Christ. I have had to block friends post because in was a “non-stop hate Obama train”. Now I do make comments, not in favor, of a lot of his policies, but these comments from them seem to attack the man not the policies.

When we went to war with Iraq, I was very upset with President Bush. And yes, I voted for him, but I do not like war. Everywhere in the world, anywhere you go there are babies, and they are ALL innocent. So when there a war, those babies lives and contributions to this world could be snuffed out during war; I hate that. I also believe that there will always be fighting in the Middle East. My mom told me instead of being angry I needed to pray for President Bush. And she gave me this scripture 1Timothy 2:1-2:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Tell me my fellow Christians, how often do you pray for OUR president? I don’t pray for him as much as I should, but I do pray for him when I know major decisions need to be made. I’m not talking prayer like “Oh Lord, help our president.” I’m talking about speaking and praying the Word of God over him and in all his decision makings – for a move of God in his life and wisdom concerning the decision he has to make. I will bet that NONE of you have truly lifted him up in pray. You “Christians” would rather dog him out than pray for him. It is evident in the things you say almost on a daily basis. Pray for our president! We know as Christians that PRAYER CHANGES EVERYTHING – especially when you sincerely mean it! Instead speaking that his black ass should get out of the white house and how much he makes you sick, speak the Word of God! No, I don’t like a lot of his policies, but he is still the President of the United States! And yes, I prayed for Bush as well, and I will pray for OUR new President no matter what party he/she belongs too. We have gotten so wrapped up in race, in parties and how people are doing wrong that we have lost LOVE for one another.

I believe that the United States' “Love” factor has gone down considerably. Nowadays, many do not try to understand, and they say hurtful things. We need to love one another whether homosexual, Black, White, Asian, Spanish whatever; love the person; hate the sin. When I speak to people on social media (FaceBook or Twitter), I go out of my way to be respectful even if what I say disagrees with their view. If you ever read any of my post, don’t ever read them with a mean, condescending tone because I do not type them like that. Instead of name calling, say let’s choose to disagree on this matter and move on. I had a guy the other day call me an idiot. Now, I could have gone off on him; instead, I decided to end the conversation by saying goodbye and that Jesus’ love him. Don’t allow others hate to rub off on you. Don’t let what others are doing and/or saying pull you into hatred, ignorance and inconsiderateness. You choose to walk in Love towards everyone no matter what. Speak the Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15), for the God that made ALL of us IS LOVE (1 John 4:8)! Let’s do better!

Did you put your armor on today???

Be Encouraged Today!!!

Remember there's a sinners prayer on this site. If you have backslid or haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is Good, then say this prayer. I know all of this sounds too fantastical to be real, but don't take the chance that it’s not and be left behind. There's a moment that will have happen, in a twinkling of an eye, and those of us who belong to Christ Jesus will be with Him forever and ever. If you say this prayer contact me, and let me encouraged and personally welcome you into God's Kingdom.

Boy, I'm Glad God Didn't Answer That Prayer!

Well school is out, and the kiddos at home with Mommy! This past month has been hectic, but I got my boys IEP meetings done! And all of my kids had different dates for their schools field days (all can be seen on my Facebook Page), and yes, I attended and volunteered at each one. It’s was good hot fun. Dorrien graduated from Kindergarten, and we are just tickled pink. We are so very proud of him, and all of kiddies! Being a mom is very rewarding, but also very busy. I am so very fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom that is able and willing to attend every little function the schools have. I love my kids! I know you are looking at this title and wondering “Ok, where is she going with this????” Being as busy as have been this last month and half with my children, I thought about something I prayed for, in earnest, during my first pregnancy. I prayed and prayed to have twins! My mom was a twin, so I knew the “twin gene” was available. I prayed for girl and boy identical twins. My thinking was that I could have my kids in one shot and be done. Perhaps, my heart wasn’t exactly in the right place to receive ; ). This was something I wanted very much, and the things we want the most we will make an effort to get, and this includes devotion to prayer. Well after about two (2) weeks of my beautiful daughter, Angelina, was here, I was super happy that my prayer for twins was not granted. I’m not saying I couldn’t have handled it, but God knows best. He knows what we need when we need it. Right now my family is looking to purchase our first home, but I will understand if God says “Not right now, My Daughter”. God is the Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End. He also personally knows all of our beginnings and endings, and all points in between. I will say that MOST of the time if my prayer isn’t answered, I can trust that God knows if I need that thing in my life at that particular point. And then there times when I pray and I feel that it the perfect time for me to have or receive what I ask, and sometimes it bothers me. Yes, there is still A LOT of room for growth in me. Over time, I get over it and move on, or something happens and I’m like “Boy, I’m glad God didn’t answer that prayer”. Hindsight is 20-20 they tell me. We have to remember that God knows the thoughts and plans He has for us; they are thoughts of good and not of evil; to give us hope and a future. God is a good Father that knows how to give good gifts unto His children (These gifts include Spiritual Gifts too). God loves us, and He only wants the best for us, and if we can grasp this, we will be able to get on God’s time table a lot easier. God is not trying to withhold any good thing from us. I am still learning this in some areas (my children). There are a lot of things I think that I can handle, but God is saying not now. I know this and so do you, that when we pray God will say “yes”, “no” or “wait, not now”. We want every “right now”! With the “wait, not now”, we have to be patient and not try to override God because that’s when we create headaches for ourselves; it’s not the devil when we override God. It’s all our doing. If God gave us everything we prayed, in earnest, for, we would be like “Oh God, why did you give me this or allow me to do this? Didn’t you see that I wasn’t ready; that it was not my time?” God could have been like “Well, you kept asking me day and night, night and day. I finally got tire of your asking and gave it to you. I tried to tell you, but Nooooooooo; you just had to have right now!” Aren’t we glad that God is not like that? Yes, I see nodding your head. When God doesn’t answer our prayer, and something happens to make us realize that what we prayed for was not good for us, we should do a praise dance! Thank you Lord, for not giving me twins when I asked for them! I know there are some wonderful, strong mothers out there with twins, and I say more power to you, and God bless you. Let’s practice and learn how to wait on God. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking because that’s what God wants us to do; He wants us to come unto and release our faith for that which we desire. He does give us the desires of our hearts, and I love Him for that. He wants us to keep asking, to keep knocking and to keep searching (not just for things in this physical realm, but so much more for the Spiritual that are needed in the day and hour). But don’t get discourage when He says “wait, not now” or when He says “no”. He is our Father God who loves us so very much, and He only wants the best for us. Sometimes that means we won’t get what we ask for because it’s not good for us; it will cause us much more sorrow than joy. And we all want to be happy! Did you put your armor on today??? Be Encouraged Today!!! Remember there's a sinners prayer on this site. If you have backslid or haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is Good, then say this prayer ��. I know all of this sounds too fantastical to be real, but don't take the chance that it’s not and be left behind. There's a moment that will have happen, in a twinkling of an eye, and those of us who belong to Christ Jesus will be with Him forever and ever. If you say this prayer �� contact me, and let me encouraged and personally welcome you into God's Kingdom.

Self, Shut Up!

Well Hallelujah! Everything that can be shaken tried to shake apart; oh but God! Lord, I just want to thank you for forgiving me and redeeming and saving me! It is Good to know and serve the Living God. I really don’t know how people get along without Him, but I am so thankful that I can call on Him in times of trouble. We all face trouble from time to time, and we know that time and chance happens to us all, but our faith, attitude and what we are saying determines how long or how severe our troubles will be, at least that’s what I believe. Earlier this month, I got really sick. It started out being a sore throat, but then it got worse. I thought it might be strep throat, but the test came back negative. I began to have really bad fevers and chills. I couldn’t eat because the pain was so bad. I got really dehydrated making my bottom lip split really bad. All I could feel was the pain and how weak I was from not eating; I mean I was really pitiful. Then I remembered a post I wrote years back entitled “Stop Owning Things That Do Not Line Up With The Word of God!” It’s funny how and some of the things the Holy Spirit bring back to our remembrance. As I thought about it, I knew I “owned” this sickness that came over me, and allowed myself to listen to the sickness in my body by getting in line with it instead of getting in line with the Word of God. I remember telling myself “Shut Up!” Sometime we want to blame the devil for the things that are happening in our lives when it’s our fault. I could have and should have spoken the Word of God at the first sign of pain, but I reached for the medicine first. Now there is nothing wrong with taken medicine and going to the doctor, but as we do these things we must speak the Word of God. Now for the most part I do this, I’ll say “Lord, I thank you that I am the healed in Jesus’ Name, and I command this pain/whatever to get out in Jesus’ Name and plead the Blood of Jesus over it.” I know I’m not the only one who forgets to do this from time to time. I had gotten so focused on the pain and weakness that I didn’t speak my faith concerning this matter, and my faith is always that I am the healed, and I walk in Divine health and healing! My faith is now, and I receive it now, but I allowed myself to listen to the thing that was in front of me (what I could feel and see). How many of you know that the things we see and feel are temporal; they are subject to change, and change for the better when we have Jesus as Lord and Savior(2 Corinthians 4:18). If you ever feel the sickness/illness in your body “speaking” louder than your faith say “Self, Shut Up!” When you find yourself dwelling on the negative of what could be say “Self, Shut Up!” When you find yourself rehearsing a conversation in your head and it gets really heated without the other person even being there say “Self, Shut Up!” I know I’m not the only one who does this. Tell yourself to shut up! Shut Up and get in line with the Word of God. The Word of God says that we are the healed! By the stripes of Jesus we WERE healed (Isaiah 53:5)! It’s already ours, so Shut Up! With the negative thinking; Shut Up! We as Sons and Daughter of the Most High think on things that are pure, lovely, just and things that have a good report (Philippians 4:8). As far as conversation with other, they are good and peaceful, so Shut Up! You belong to God, and because you belong to Him you have favor with Him! And furthermore, since you have favor with God, you have favor with man! Surely goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life because you are a Son or Daughter of the Most High (Psalms 23:6). See the problem is that we sometimes forget who we are and whose we are! Stop giving into the negative whether it be sickness/illness, strife or tension with others and or bad thoughts! Tell yourself and devil to SHUT UP! You are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus; every weapon (sickness/illness/whatever) formed CAN NOT Prosper! You are loved by Jesus Christ, and He wants you if no one else does! If it’s not lining up with the Word of God tell it to Shut Up! Did you put your armor on today??? Be Encouraged Today!!!

Born Again, Life of No or Yes???

A lot of people think that becoming a Christian, being Christ Like, means there are a lot of "No's". Many people believe that you can't do this and you can't do that. That is not the case. Yes, there are some things that you will stop doing or saying because they would be displeasing God. For instance, you wouldn't go around cursing/swearing, speaking ill of others or to others, sleeping around with everybody or killing. It's some of the same things that Mom and Dad taught us not to do. God's way, His Word, gives us the strength to withstand the evils of this world that are no good for us anyway. Cursing, speaking ill of someone, gossiping or backbiting can get your feelings hurt or worse beat up : |. Sleeping around or with someone else's spouse or significant other can get you an STD, beat up too or worse killed. The Word of God has things in place to protect us and for us to have a better quality of life. In fact, the Word of God tells you can overcome while the world tells you you're going under. The Word of God says that you are the healed, when the world tells you you only have 6 weeks to live. God's Word says "Yes" when the circumstances we go through in this world is screaming "No!" I think when you become a Christian, and the more you cultivate your relationship with God; the more you will want to shun/stop doing certain things. When we become Born Again/saved, it's immediate; but change from that "old person" you were takes times; Salvation is a process. Yes we are a new creation in Christ Jesus, but the longer you know Him the more you will grow and understand His way of being and doing. When you start out, you may stumble along the way, but you must get up, repent (turn away from that wrong) and go on. The devil roams around like lion seeking those he can devour. 1 Peter 5:8 states: Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour When you become Born Again, the devil will put up all kinds of stumbling blocks to trip you up a lot! He wants you to believe that "salvation" didn't work on you, and that you aren't really saved at all. That is a lie he tells you, and some believe it. Immediately the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy your belief in Jesus and the Salvation Jesus came for you to have. John 10:10 states: The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows). When we become saved (Romans 10:9,10), we receive Christ Jesus into our hearts. We also receive the Spirit of God, and the Word of God does not enslave us to fear "Oh, I better not that or I'm gonna go to Hell." Instead, the Word of God liberate. 2 Corinthians 3:17 states: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). Romans 8:15, 16 also states: 15 For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! 16 The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. When we become Born Again, we immediately become a child of God. Being Born Again, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is not a life of bondage and no; but it is a life of abundance, liberty and yes. Some things are just not good for us emotionally or physically, and the Word of God gives us the Hope and Strength to withstand against those bad things we shouldn't do anyway. I am a living witness that living for God is a good and full life. I go out to eat and to the movies. My husband and I even play cards on occasions; I have all kinds of fun with my family and friends. Remember, God is working in each of us on different things. I use to smoke years ago, but at the time God was working on my attitude rather than my smoking. Don't be discouraged by slow progress, but know that God is working in you. This is your life of "Yes"! Did you put your armor on today??? Be Encouraged Today!!! Remember there's a sinners prayer on this site. If you have backslid or haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is Good, then say this prayer ��. I know all of this sounds too fantastical to be real, but don't take the chance that it’s not and be left behind. There's a moment that will have happen, in a twinkling of an eye, and those of us who belong to Christ Jesus will be with Him forever and ever. If you say this prayer �� contact me, and let me encouraged and personally welcome you into God's Kingdom.

Being of the Spirit of God

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 states: However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him— 10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. And because we have received the Spirit of God, Jeremiah 29:11is true for us. We know the thoughts and plans Gods has for us; they are thoughts of good and not evil (plans to prosper us not to harm us), to give us hope and a future. We serve a Good God that know how to give good gifts unto His children (Luke 11:13). I’d say the gift of the Holy Spirit is a good, great gift. So we can be assured that that hope and future is a Good one. And because we have the Spirit of God, we can easily receive the Gift of Healing, Prosperity, God’s Love, Mercy and Grace. When we became Born Again, or when you become Born Again, you receive or will receive the Spirit of God. People who are not Born Again operate by this “world system”. They do not consider doing things by the Word of God. In fact, some consider the ways of God to be unreasonable or foolish. They cannot understand the concept of Healing; that by speaking the Word of God, believing that they receive that healing is truth/reality. They cannot understand that giving will increase their prosperity. Some even go to the lengths to say that there is No God. 1 Corinthians 2:14 goes on to say: 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. They cannot receive the things of God to be true because they do not have the Spirit of God on the inside. The things of God have not been revealed unto them because they do not have the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, but He is also the Revealer of Truth. You hear people talk about there not being a God or that there is no life after death; it’s just nothing and darkness. Some think that there is no reason we are here. The Revelation of who God is, the plans He has for us or how much He loves us is not known because they do not know Him, truly know Him. And if they do not know Him, they have not received His salvation thus not having the things of God revealed to them by His Spirit. God is real, and everything in His Word we can have, and we can do the things His Word says we can do! Some of you want to believe that there is a God that loves you for you. Well there is such a God, and He is waiting with open arms to receive you and reveal unto you the wonderful things He has for you. Received Jesus as Lord and receive God’s Spirit and learn of the wonderful things He has for us in His Word. It’s not too late! Did you put your armor on??? Be Encouraged Today!!! Remember there's a sinners prayer on this site. If you have backslid or haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is Good, then say this prayer ��. I know all of this sounds too fantastical to be real, but don't take the chance that it’s not and be left behind. There's a moment that will have happen, in a twinkling of an eye, and those of us who belong to Christ Jesus will be with Him forever and ever. If you say this prayer �� contact me, and let me encouraged and personally welcome you into God's Kingdom.

I Hear Ya Holy Spirit!

I just want to say that the Lord is Good. Yes, God is good, and He is good all the time. Now the Holy Spirit is God “The Spirit”. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, and He is the Revealer of all Truth. Now when Jesus died on the Cross and arose again to be seated at the right hand of God, He promised not to leave of us orphans. John 14:26 states: But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Now I’m sure I’m not the only one who knows what the Word of God says, and forgets it from time to time. Not so much that you forget it, but that we don’t use it as often as we should. The Word of God clearly tells, as stated above, that the Holy Spirit will remind us of everything He, God, has said to us. This is whether the written Word, the Bible, an audible spoken Word (spoken by someone else) or a Word spoken to your spirit. Like I said before, God is always speaking; we need to be in a position to be able to hear Him. We get in a position to hear from Him by reading his Word and praying, getting quiet (meditating) and listening. I have several books that I read to my kids to teach them about God and how much He loves us. I read to my kids just about every night, and it is one of my favorite times of the day; not only because they are going to sleep, but also because I love to read to them. Well Monday night I read “I Can Talk with God” by Debby Anderson (very good book) to my kids, especially my daughter, so that she knows that she can talk to God about everything and anything. I explained that she doesn’t have to use big words or sound a certain way, and that she can be anywhere like school or church when she talks with Him. The very first page of the book tells how God made certain animal to do certain things, and then it got to people. It said that God made people to talk. He especially made people to talk so they could talk to Him. The biggest light bulb turned on over my head. I paused and listened. My daughter wondered what I was doing. Well most of you know that my three (3) year son, Gianni, is speech delayed, WAS speech delayed (calling those things to be as though they were). As soon as I read those words out of a children’s book, Revelation had come! I immediately spoke what I heard the Holy Spirit say “God made Gianni to TALK to Him.” I’m a “right now” type person so I began to speak my faith. I began to plead the Blood of Jesus over his understanding, his hearing, his mouth (tongue, teeth), his esophagus, anything I could think of that included speaking. And I said that Gianni is talking more and more everyday. Now I don’t believe that it was a mistake in my choosing this book to read that night nor in what I heard. I believe the Holy Spirit revealed the Truth of what God wants for Gianni, and it was revealed to me so that I can begin to speak the Truth of God’s Word over my son! Now I could have continued to read and dismissed what I heard, but I decided to act on what I heard and spoke God’s Word over my son. Now was it me, I don’t believe so because I originally choose this book for my daughter specially to show her that she can pray (talk to God) about anything even in school; that she doesn’t have to pray out loud, but can speak to God quietly. Was it the devil? Absolutely not! The devil is not going to tell anyone to speak God’s Word over anything. The Advocator, The Holy Spirit, reminded me of why God made all of us. We were made to glorify and worship Him, to fellowship with Him. He alone is worthy of our praise. I am a Daughter of the Most High! We all can talk to God. We can be at work, school or even the grocery store. You don’t have to be in a church. God wants us to fellowship with Him on a daily basis, and when we do this, we develop a relationship with Him. When we have a relationship with God, we can talk to Him about anything! I promise you that if you talk to God, He will talk back. You will be able to say “I hear ya Holy Spirit!” Did you put on your armor 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!

God is Trying to Tell You Something

Remember on "The Color Purple" Shug was singing 🎶 in the juke joint, and the church ⛪ choir began singing "God is Trying to Tell you Something". Shug tried to out sing the choir, but something happened. It was like something was awaken in her; she was drawn to the church, to the singing 🎶, to the song. Everytime I see this part of the movie tears stream down my face. She made it home, and reconciled with her father and The Father (God). I think God is trying to do the same thing; He's trying to wake us up. Have you noticed increased number of "End Times" shows and movies. Though most are not quite Biblically accurate, most will probably get people to thinking about their relationship with God, or at least get them interested in learning more. He's trying to wake up the sinner, non-believer or the back slider to let them know that their time is running out. You choose this day whom you will serve, and in choosing you will sill your destination for Eternity forever. I'm not trying to make this sound scary with doom and gloom. I'm trying to let you know of the urgency of making this choice. The "Door of Opportunity" will not stay open for you forever - you will want to go on the "first" flight ✈ out. Making Jesus Lord can take "scary" right out of this situation and give you assurance and peace that your final destination is a good one; Eternity is a very long time. If any movie, tv show or song has piqued your interest, take a moment to ponder it and evaluate yourself. God speaks to us in many ways. He speaks to us through His Word, directly to our spirit, through others, and yes sometimes through movies, tv shows and songs. The question is "Are you listening?". And if you are, what are you doing about it? Did you put your armor on??? Be Encouraged Today!!! Remember there's a sinners prayer on this site. If you have backslid or haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is good is Good, then say this prayer 🙏. I know all of this sounds too fantastical to be real, but don't take the chance that its not and be left behind. There's a moment that will have happen, in a twinkling of an eye, and those of us who belong to Christ Jesus will be with Him forever and ever. If you say this prayer 🙏 contact me, and let me encouraged and personally welcome you into God's Kingdom.

Time to Get in Shape

It's the new year and everyone is making new years resolutions. We're making resolutions to be a better person, promising to eat better, to stop smoking, pay off debts, etc. These are just some of the resolutions people will be making this new year. These are good resolutions; things that will better ones life. One resolution I will be making is getting back in shape after all that holiday eating - good eating. Getting in shape is probably the number one new year resolution people will make. But most do not think about getting into "spiritual shape". There are alot of "Christians" that have been in the Church ⛪ ten plus years and have not grown/matured. They are still babes in Christ; still taking milk. The "milk" of the Word of God is good for those who are new to the Faith, and that's okay. New Christians maybe on the "milk" of the Word a few years; learning and growing. But some Christians have been on milk way too long; so long that they have become big fat babies. Yes I said big fat babies! Never stepping out in faith, never digging deeper in the Word of God, never wanting more - just content being babies; can't help themselves or anyone else. Graduate 🎓 and get in the "meat" of God's Word. The "meat" of the Word has the spiritual protein to build muscle and strength in the Word of God. The strength that can move mountains, heal the sick and cast out demons. God wants us to grow in Him, to know Him better, and in knowing Him we know His Word. I love the phrase "In all your getting, get understanding.". It one thing to be able to quote the Word of God, and it's another the understand it. The first step is digging deep, and the way you do that us reading and studying the Word. Those things in the Word you don't quite understand, ask the Holy Spirit who is the Revealer of all truth; he will make those things known to you. The world is changing, things are happening; things the Bible has foretold years and years ago. You make the choice to develop your faith. You make the choice to get off your spiritual couch, and stop being a big fat baby. Graduate to the meat of the Word of God. It's ok to have some spiritual milk to help the meat go down, but don't stay on milk only. You'll find out that you are stronger and capable of much, much more. Did you out your armor on??? Be Encouraged Today!!!! Remember there's a sinner's prayer on this site. If you have back slid or haven't tasted and send that the Lord I good, then say this prayer. There is a moment that will happen, in a twinkling of an eye, and we who belong to Christ Jesus will be caught up to be with Him forever and ever. Oh yes, I know it sounds to fantastical to be true, but don't take the chance that its not and be left behind. So don't wait! Say this prayer now. If you say tho prayer, please contact me so that I might encourage and personally welcome you to your walk with the Lord.