Sunday, July 31, 2011

We as believers need to take accountability of our own lives in order to keep us on a Godly path. Self examination is so healthy and necessary in order to remain in order with God. You have to be able not only to know when you are wrong but be able to say when you are wrong. You must use humility, not pride. Be gentle, not harsh. Help, not hinder. And most of all we must be selfless, not selfish. God was about love and helping others who were less fortunate. He did not hang with the wealthy and healthy that was for sure. He was a humble man with little means. He walked in His Father's love and took His guidance and obeyed His word and helped those who came to Him. Same principals expected today. I know the world is tough and not always a happy place. But we are called to be in this world to be the light. So self examine, pass on your wisdom and be there for someone as an accountability partner so they know it is okay to feel what they feel. Help others grow in the Spirit. And be blessed and this fabulous Sunday.

James 5:16

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Saturday, July 30, 2011

What you try to conceal, God will reveal. I love that. It says it in scripture that what we try to keep hidden, God will unmask. There is nothing than we can think, say or feel that God is not aware of. He knows all things and I remember years and years ago I asked the Lord to unmask men' hearts to me and He did. It is not for the faint hearted. It can stun you, sadden you and sometimes anger you. But I have learned how to handle it and balance it. I can meet someone and know almost immediately their heart, intentions and motives. My husband used to fight me tooth and nail but he will tell you now that he never second guesses me or doubts me because He has witnessed God's power too many times to deny it. It is neither coincidence or women's intuition, but the Spirit of God. A good friend of mine was up this past winter and she was struggling with something in the work place and was not sure which co worker betrayed her and she had asked God to reveal it to her but she admitted to me she was afraid to know. I told her I would show her how quickly God would reveal it to her you and I made one phone call that lasted all but 60 seconds and she knew right then through the power of God who was the betrayer and although it hurt her, it freed her. And that is what God tries to do with all of us. Humble us by breaking us down so that we come to Him with open hearts and minds. There is nothing that He doesn't allow or know prior to its being. He knows every hair on our heads and He wants you to know that He knows what your heart feels. He knows you are hurting and are scared. He knows you are unsure of what you are doing and He wants to help you through these difficult times so let Him. Let the power of the Holy Ghost manifest in your life and He will guide you through. When you are the state of grace, you will receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and you too will see the power of His might up close and personal. I pray that this be the day you come to know Him. Be blessed!

Isaiah 11:2-3

Friday, July 29, 2011

Do not worry about what others say or think about you. People will always want to criticize or judge. They will offer unsolicited advice and supply you with your list of wrong decisions. My advice to you? Only live for God and what He thinks. He is the One that you should go to for help. The first step is to repent our sins to Him and ask for His forgiveness. The book of Isaiah tells us in chapter 53:4,5 "By His stripes we are healed". The word healed is referring to our sins, not our physical healing. So when we ask Him for forgiveness, it is done. Then we are to come to Him with thanksgiving. Thanks that He died for us, lived for us, forgave us and loves us. Offer praise and thanks to your Father in Heaven. That is how you commune with God and build a relationship with Him. He will refine you, change you and make His desires yours. How is that possible? By simply surrendering your life to Him and turning away from you old life of sin and darkness. In doing so God will build you a solid "circle" of friends and I promise you He will send "these" angels so that they will support you, encourage your ideas, pray for your life, and speak fullness of light into your life. This will then make you stronger to believe in others as God has believed in you and you will then the "light" for someone else and this....is how we spread the gospel and message of God. Be blessed today!

Isaiah 41:10

Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Lord keeps showing me one of the greatest gifts I can enjoy while I wait for an answer is the time in waiting. The bible tells us that He works things out in His perfect timing and we are to wait upon the Lord. When I am waiting in the midst of something I can be assured that the stillness does not mean He isn't working on my behalf. It took me years to learn how to be patient because I was always the person that wanted what I wanted, when I wanted it. Sooo needless to say the Lord had to deal with that attitude and way of thinking. I now can see the time in waiting is a gift in and of itself. I am still knowing that He has everything under His control. I know that nothing will happen that He does not allow and I know that He will only give me what I can endure so I am good in all things. And I rest in all those promises and it brings me peace. Trusting in Him during these times is key to my life and my life happiness. I stopped trying to rush things along. I am no longer frustrated when things are not answered the way I wanted them to be or at all. I simply now wait upon Him and I trust Him that He is Lord and He will do what He says He will do. So don't be discouraged if you are waiting for something and it seems like an eternity or it "feels" like nothing will happen. The Lord is preparing you in this time. He is strengthening your Faith in this time. And He is testing you in this time. So be strong and of good encouragement. Stay focused and stay in the word and know that all will be revealed in His perfect timing.

Isaiah 30:21

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Trust God no matter what. Don't get caught in your surroundings. Don't drown in the waves crashing around you. And most importantly do not let people speak into your life. Seek God and Godly counsel. Stay in the word and guard your heart, mind and soul. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and if you feel weak or scared, grab your bible. Turn on the inspirational channel. There are so many good solid teachings on TBN and others. I love to watch Charles Stanley, Joyce Meyer and my own pastor, Dr. Joseph Bruce Sofia on Changed by the Word (check your local listings..he is fabulous!). I like the whole word, not just the fluff. Yes the fluff is nice to hear but it is not the core of what I need. I need truth and PB gives it to you real. I have been told I am "direct" but I rather be direct and honest in love than bear false testimony and advice. I am accountable to God and what I say to those that come to me is very important. I seek His word each and every morning before anything is spoken here on this blog and there are many days an entire message is typed and He directs me to the delete button because the words written were not His, but mine. So rest assured when I am late getting out the message it is because I seek Him first. He just wants you to trust Him and not yourself or those around you. Sometimes as painful as it is we need to inventory our "circle of friends/family". We need to surround ourselves with positive and giving believers and not the constant selfish takers who speak their "junk" in to your life. I am very aware of other's motives and thoughts and when they speak to me. "Oh I could never do that" or "I could never think of changing jobs, I make too much money" or "I would be a nervous wreck if I were you" or "when I was your age, I...." and it can go on and on and on. Sooner or later when we digest this stuff, we can start to believe it and it simply weighs us down. I worked with someone years back that I counted as one of my dearest friends and confidants. She always was professing how loyal she was to me and how she always "had my back". I was absolutely devastated when it was revealed to me years later how negative she was and nasty and always complaining about the office, schedule, hours, workload, and she would go on and on and on. I would tell her to think positive, look at the blessings of it all, keep focused on what she did have, not what she didn't but it was no use. I one day watched her walk down the hall with another co worker spreading more negative thoughts and my heart sunk, my stomach was a dark pit and I knew she no longer someone God would have me trust or confide in. I was so heart broken but He revealed to me her true heart and I was thankful that He protected me from her words because sooner or later her words may have begun to sink in to me and God was saying "Absolutely not, not this child" and it was not shortly thereafter she was laid off and I never heard nor seen her again. The point is God wants us to trust Him, rely only on Him and be very careful who you talk to and who you allow in to your home, into your life. Just keep Him in the center and He will guide, reveal, and send angels to you so no worries. God has got you in the palm of His hand. Trust in God.

Proverbs 3:6

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Hold on to God. Always. So many people run to God when something is wrong or they need help with something but as soon as the problem is solved, they shelf God. As believers we know that problems come so we can exercise our Faith. Faith is the very thing that fuels our spirit. Difficult circumstances happen to all of us. It is how we handle them that separates us. We are all sinners. None of us are perfect but the way I think when something happens may be different than you. I know that any trial may be a test from God, or an attack from the enemy to discourage me so I don't receive the blessing waiting for me. The harder the pressing, the more I rejoice because I know I am right with God and satan hates it and me. I am making a difference and therefore he is coming at me harder, stronger. How I react to this is what helps prepare me so I can then help you. I always believed in speaking positively without fear or grumbling. This helps my walk, my soul, my testimony. My trials may be on display because God knows that people are watching me to see how I handle them. This is a mighty thing and a great responsibility but I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Don't turn to God when things are bad and live on your own when things are good. He wants to be a part of your life every day, not some days. What friend would put up with you if you only came around when you needed advice or a lending ear? After awhile people would begin to avoid you, shun you. God wants you to come to Him then stay with Him. His relationship with you was never meant to be temporal, it was created to be eternal. God has a hand in your life whether you acknowledge Him or not. He loves you more than you will ever know and He is trying to get your attention. Believe in Him today. Commit the rest of your days to Him and help spread the good news to those that are hurting. Be a soldier for God, be a conqueror. Your life will change. You will change. The people around you will change. And most of all, your Faith will grow as you hold onto God. Have a blessed day!

Ephesians 1: 15-23

Monday, July 25, 2011

Fear is the opposite of Faith. Faith unleashes God's power in your life, not fear. What is one of the most comforting promises has ever made to us?

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed , for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. "


I pray that you seek His face and find solace in His comfort and nothing or no one else. He is there to love you, guide you and shelter you from all harm so allow Him to move in your life and may you find peace in His promise today.

Isaiah 41:10

Sunday, July 24, 2011

God wants us to prosper in Him every day of our lives. He wants us to live to the fullest with His joy in our heart and His purpose in our life. Prosper in our soul so we may live eternally with Him in glory. Examine your life, heart, mind. Ask that all emotions that are of the flesh die to thy flesh and pray that you can become one in Him. This is the true meaning of prospering in the Lord and I thank you PBrent for the inspiring message and most of all to my loving husband who has been teaching me this for awhile now. Today was confirmation for me to learn how to let go of the negative stuff that has burdened me, let go of the people that have hurt me and let go of emotions and thoughts they are not real other than in my own mind. God is here to love us, teach us and help us be all that He calls us to be. I pray you all find your own prosperity in Him as well. Be blessed this Sunday and every day.

Joshua 1:8

Saturday, July 23, 2011

God is so good to us isn't He? I thank Him for all things, both small and big. He truly is worthy of all of our praise! I thank Him for setting me free! He is my physician, accountant, counselor, advisor, friend and Heavenly Father and I love Him more and more each day. I am forever grateful to Him and I pray that everyone experiences the joy and peace He bestows upon your life. May He continue to bless you and keep you always. Have a blessed and cool weekend.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Sometimes people just want you to listen to them. It helps when you can let them know you truly understand from your own life's paths but sometimes they need your ear not your stories. People need to vent and they may come to you so you can simply listen and pray with them and for them. I can think of some individuals that I had to take a step back from because conversations with them were exhausting. It was constantly them interrupting and relating everything I said back to them. It was difficult to maintain a relationship with them because of it. But it taught me how to be a better listener so for that, I am grateful. And I understand because I love to share my testimonies about how the Lord delivered me and there is a time for it because God wants us to share our pasts to encourage others and we must share the gospel if they are lost however there are times He brings these people into our lives so we can exemplify Him and show others the true love of God within you. And often times it is simply by us listening. Your response to them is the greatest testimony you can give. No one needs judgement or criticism when they are down or have made mistakes and they are seeing the effects from it. They want your love, sympathy, compassion and prayers. Be a true sister in Christ and listen and love and lend yourself to someone today. The Lord had blessed you with so much so that you in turn can bless another so be the gentle spirit today at work if someone is having hard day. Be the peacemaker in your home today. Glorify God today in all that you do and say. It will never steer you wrong.

Isaiah 30:18

Thursday, July 21, 2011

I believe one of most detrimental things we can do to ourselves is envy, compare or covet someone else's life. I believe that when we envy someone else, we are saddening the Lord because He gave us the very life we have and we are living what He had in store for us. I never look at my neighbors and wish I had their life or home because no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. I was unhappy for years and yet someone could have simply looked at my home and pool and thought, "wow I wish I had her life." I learned many moons ago never to look upon someone else with envy because not all that glitters is gold. Just remember God made you unique and exactly as He wanted you to be. He gives us all different gifts so we can bless others as He has blessed us through some one's gift. We are not all going to experience the same in life such as financial wealth, beauty, parenthood, talents, so don't get caught up in that mindset. I truly believe that God is most pleased when we lift each other up, share what we have been blessed with and encourage one another. Be grateful for all you have been given and share your love, joy and your peace. Help each other rebuild instead of competing or comparing. And you should know that God will vindicate anyone that gloats at your fall or your failures. So He is your lifeline and He will always be your biggest fan so let go of any insecurities you may have or any bitterness/resentment you may feel at what you think you missed out on and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and bless you in more ways than you could ever imagine. So let go and let God. Have a blessed day!

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

To plant a seed and to wait is to believe. They are planted, harvested, and watered and they will begin to grow. These seeds are seeds of Faith. Faith is confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see. Hebrew 11:6 Our assurance is knowing that God can. As we sew seeds they become opportunities to bless others and also it allows God to bless you. We are to have good intentions and the proper motives when we plant such seeds but I know my God will reward me. I never would do anything with selfish thoughts but because I know the way my God is, I can stand in assurance and know that He will be pleased when I do what He asks me to do. I also know the wrath of God is real and I am a true God fearing woman because I do not want to do anything that would be displeasing to Him for his discipline will come and it ain't always pretty. So my husband and I try our best to take each day at a time and do the right thing by displaying the proper motive, attitude and response. And at the end of each day we reflect on how we were pleasing to God and how we spread His love to others. That is what we live for and what we pray for. Long gone are the days we plan for ourselves and/or spoil ourselves. The "me, myself and I" decade of our lives is over. This new decade we are embarking on as we enter our 11Th year together is all about exemplifying God, His glory, His presence and His truths and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. And the way we do that is by sewing the seeds into the Kingdom of Heaven. Take the focus off our yourself and see others as God does and I am telling you, your life will change, you will change and those around you will begin to pay attention. Be blessed!

Mark 4: 1-20

The Parable of the Sower

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Today I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ and I ask that the Lord bless you today in double portion. He wants you to know how much He loves you. And He wants you to know that He watches over you and is so pleased when you praise and worship Him. His message to you all is to keep pushing forward with confidence in knowing that He will never leave you nor forsake you. And what He says is true and His timing is never late and never too early, but always perfect. Have a blessed day!

Psalm 33:18-22

Monday, July 18, 2011

Don't ever say God cannot bless you because you are a bad person. God can bless anyone. We are to be bold in our faith and in our prayers to the Lord. We hold on to our guilt longer than He does. He wants us to confess our sins to Him and then forget them. Condemnation is our own self guilt that we put on ourselves and it can hurt your spiritual walk and block your own blessings that God wants to give you. We are harder on ourselves than the Lord is. We must move on and live in the promises of God. God's grace is what allows me to know with blessed assurance that I can ask God to bless me abundantly and He will. I am bold in my belief and faith and I know He can do all things. I believe He is going to do bless my family in a great and mighty and although our circumstances may say otherwise, I know nothing is impossible with God. So be bold. Be of good encouragement. Be brave. And believe that God will use you and bless you.

Luke 1:37

Sunday, July 17, 2011

It is far worse to know the truth of God and deny Him than to never have been told about Him. The enemy knew the truth about Jesus. He knew Jesus was alive and real and he chose to deny Him and make it his mission in life to destroy others before they ever come to know the truth and accept Jesus. He knows Jesus is the way, the truth and the life but has looked the other way. Do you know anyone in your life who you have spoken to about Jesus and have chosen not to believe? Do you know where their lives are today? I do and I see where their lives have taken them and believe me it is not pleasant. They are experiencing broken homes, broken relationships, betrayal, lies, drugs, divorce,financial ruins, bankruptcy. All after they heard the Word of the Lord and denied Him. Truth. Real. Fact. I encourage you to ask the Lord into your heart and commit your ways to Him for He is the answer to this world. Your life may seem easy and in control but it will not remain this way. For in time, your life as you know it will be in ruins. Stop running from the light. Stop running from God. Stop denying the truth and the only One that truly loves you. Stop ignoring your future. With the Lord you will spend eternity with Him. Choose life. Choose God. Choose today.

John 3:16

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Keep your eyes on God. It is the only way to keep yourself focused as you navigate through life's choppy waters. There are days when my faith gets me through. My husband and I try to be each other's encourager and it really helps us. The Lord will tell me to be the strong one for him and there are days when he is the rock. Be there for your loved ones. As long as there is breath, encourage one another and love one another. Pray and pray and pray for one another. Life is so hard and it really is true how we are in this world but not of it. Because it can be scary and very discouraging to look about the news and the economics of the country and our own stories of struggle. So much focus on war, debt, foreclosures, business closings, divorce, disease, separation, church divisions, family fall outs, unemployment, under employment. And you see why people are distraught and saddened for themselves and for their fellow man. I cannot get up in it for I need to remain strong for my family and my loved ones. The Lord is all I need and He is who I draw my strength from. He is my tank of faith and I can go to Him to be filled up as much and as often as I need it. He is my rock and my salvation and I choose to trust Him and not the news. I believe there will be victory for my husband and I and not what my bank account may say or my accountant. The Lord is our God and not only do I believe in Him but He believes in me. Amen!

Psalm 99: 1-5

Friday, July 15, 2011

Peace in your heart produces God's power in your life. I am learning how important it is to maintain peace in your heart, mind and soul. The greatest compliment my husband and I receive is when guests tell us they feel so peaceful in our home and in our pool. That is the power of the Holy Spirit. He dwells in us and His presence is in our home. We choose not to be a part of discention and strife. For those things do not produce peaceful fruit and I will not allow the tools of the enemy to enter into my life or home. My husband and I are adamant about keeping the peace at all costs. That doesn't mean our lives are perfect and all of our relationships are perfect; what it means is we choose to live in harmony and love. I have had some very special people in my life turn their back on me for words said and it took me very long to get over it but I feel when we take accountability and say we are sorry and ask for forgiveness that the Lord is pleased and we no longer are responsible for the other party involved. I cannot make someone talk to me or make them have peace with me. But I can certainly make sure that there is no resentment or bitterness in my heart on my behalf. That is what I can pray for and make sure I am living right with God. So don't beat yourself up when arguments occur or disagreements happen. Whenever people are involved via church, workplace, family...disagreements will happen. It is how we react to them that has God's attention. So remember there is power in agreement. Choose peace. Choose happiness. Choose joy. Your God will be pleased and your life will be abundantly blessed.

Psalm 34:14

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Pray yourself through this. You can. God can. Prayer moves Him. He hears your cries before you ever voiced them. He knows you are hurting and He knows what you need. Trust Him. Lean on Him and not yourself. Stop listening to unspiritual advice. Stop panicking at

your situation. Change is coming. Don't give up. The rain is always before the rainbow.

Just be still and know that He is God and He will never leave you nor forsake you.

He's got this!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. It is one of the more "known" bible verses and in fact we are teaching it to the 4 year old class this whole month. So if it is easy enough for a small child to understand then why do we as adults not get it? We are to place all of our trust in Him and not think about our circumstances nor look at them from secular eyes. That is why it is so important to stay away from nonspiritual advice. People are always so ready to give you their advice or opinion but it is up to you to recognize what is of God and what should be ignored. Are they believers themselves? Do they live their life holy? Is their life in order or in chaos? You wouldn't take health advice from an overweight person with a burger in their hand so why would you take advice from someone who knows nothing about the ways of the Lord? You wouldn't be able to relate to someone giving you financial advice when they themselves were giving most of what they have from their parents and not earned themselves. I can go on and on. Do not allow people to speak into YOUR life. My husband had many of his Christian brothers over yesterday and I was speaking with one of them who said his friends reject him now that he goes to church and they say unkind things to him. I told him that when most people speak, they are in fact speaking of themselves or relating your situation to themselves. Stop listening to unsolicited advice and get your nose in the Word. The Lord will instruct thee and guide thee on the way we should go. Period. So you stand in faith on Proverbs 3:5 and pray that trust into your life and seal it up and know that He will do all things for you when His time is ready. And let your life be a living testimony for all who are witnessing. Be blessed and have a great day in Him.

Proverbs 3:5

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The enemy will attack you before a miracle/blessing is going to occur in your life. He attacks you right after a blessing. It is designed to discourage us and dishearten us to the love of the Lord. We must be on guard at all times against the battle of the evil one. The battle of the principalities is real and you must be prepared. How do you do that? By girding your mind, guarding your heart and curbing your tongue. Words, emotions, feelings are all things that can usher in the attack. Scary? Yes. Real? Yes. Avoidable? No. We as Christians will all experience this. Safe to say if you are NOT attacked then you need to examine yourself and your walk. He isn't going to bother you if you are not bothering "his people" and "his world". That is why we are NOT to be of "this world" for "this" world is "his". That is why you will feel left out, rejected and or lonely. We are here to help others find the love and power of God for He wants no man to suffer for eternity but the bible is clear that the only way to heaven is through His Son, Jesus Christ and in your belief of Him and His death on the cross. Period. The enemy does not want that truth out. The more of God's work you do, the more "pressed" you will be. Just keep going and keep working for God. For the reward is greater than any of the nonsense the enemy tries to put out there. Just trust God and He will protect you always and remember His promise in

1 John 4:4 "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. " Amen and Amen!

Monday, July 11, 2011

To God be the Glory. No matter what. I get sad when I see people turn to God at their lowest point and when things get better they desert him. We had a young teen visit us this weekend and we were talking about people that have stopped attending church and he said he could never do that nor imagine how anyone would turn from God. I was so moved and exclaimed my best Sunday, "Amen!" I have family members that have lost faith because God didn't answer their prayers and felt, "what is the point? I will just do it myself." Trust me, they didn't get far and their lives are worse off now than ever before. All I can do is show them God's love and give Him the glory each and every time He does something amazing in any one's life. It is bearing good testimony and by doing this, I am praying that they will see God's goodness and faithfulness. This is not to brag about your blessings. Far from it. It is to show them how much God loves us. All of us. Be a good witness to someone. How do you do it? By living a holy Christian life and by showing His love to others in all things and in all ways. Don't be stingy with some and generous with others. Don't keep score. Don't invite someone over and wait for a return invite before you invite them again. Just live in God's light...be the Light. Be there for someone. Ask the Lord today to reveal to you someone you can bless. You will be so glad you did.

Ephesians 3:20

Sunday, July 10, 2011

God blesses us so that we can bless others. It is a very important that we give back. The Lord does not want us concentrating on our needs and wants and being selfish with others. We are called to be selfless. We do this by serving others in loving obedience. Anyone can give when they have it. People give in excess all the time. The Lord is more impressed with someone that puts a one dollar bill in the tithe basket when it is all they have vs. the someone that writes a check for one hundred dollars when they have ten times that in their bank account. I am the leader of the tots in my church and we can have upwards of 25+ 4 year olds. I used to sit on the floor and just play with them and have a ball when I was just a helper. Did the kids enjoy it? For sure. Did I love it? Probably even more than the kids. But the Lord told me it wasn't about me, it was about the kids and what they needed from me was my guidance and leadership more than my Lego building skills. He called me to be the leader of them and the entire class and help the church with their shortage of leaders and challenge myself in a unknown field rather than play it safe. Our faith is about trusting God and doing whatever it is He asks us to do. Not the things that are convenient or easy. So when you want to grovel about something or complain when someone asks a favor of you, remember God brought that person or situation to you so you can bless someone and give back. You will be rewarded beyond what you could ever imagine. So smile and give back with a cheerful heart and be blessed.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

I claim Jeremiah 29:11 for my husband and I. It is one of the most uplifting and loving promises the Lord gave us. I have the verse prominently displayed in one of our guest rooms so the Lord's encouragement can be shared with everyone that enters here. I was getting things together for an important appointment I have next week and it took hours of concentration and I just prayed and asked the Lord to be with me and guide me through everything (boxes and boxes of papers etc...) and help me find everything I needed. Towards the end of the effortless and seamless two hours I saw something on top of a box staring back at me with pink highlights and it said, "Little one, Just keep Trusting, Love God." The passage along side it was from the book of 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and it quieted my spirit and made me very aware of the Lord's presence in the room with me as I read the words.... "The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it." Thanks you Lord for your all that you do. I love you with all my heart.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Purpose Full Ingredients One Year Later: 7/8/10-Now

God only helps those that help themselves. You all have heard that expression right? People say it with such assurance as if it is biblical doctrine but I challenge you to tell me where exactly this is written in the bible. While there is a delicate balance between our efforts and our trust in God, there are many times when we seek His counsel and we are told to be still and do nothing. Our "waiting" on Him is how we demonstrate our faith. To an outsider it may appear as though we are doing nothing to help our situation, but the truth is we are doing MORE than acting. There are other times when we seek His guidance as we plan and the Lord instructs as to ACT on our plan AS we trust in Him. To summarize it clearly is to say that our faith leads to God's action as our "works" are evidence of our faith. There is to always be a partnership between our efforts and God's control. He wants us to use our minds but He always wants us to seek His guidance. And remember the final outcome of our plans will always be in His hands. So the next time someone debates this subject with you, be armed and be ready to share the gospel in Truth.

Today marks one year I have been writing Purpose Full Ingredients. What started out as a way of getting out my thoughts has now become a "daily bread" for many and I am honored to be used in any small way. So thanks to you all who read this and email me and tell me your testimonies. The power of God is amazing!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

When is it okay to preach the gospel and when isn't it? Is it okay to evangelize in a public place or should we be politically correct and not? Why is Jesus so controversial that the very mention of His name makes people uncomfortable? If someone was handing out pamphlets for civil rights or gay rights, people would smile and accept it because it is "politically polite" to. When I watch the dynamics of evangelizing I witness many reactions. A woman asked me today, "is he allowed to do that here?" and I smiled and said, "that is my husband and he means no harm" and I watched her place down in an empty chair the contents of which he handed her. I was happy the way I handled the question and I knew the Spirit was upon me for I was not combative and it kept the situation calm. It made me then ponder the question what would I do in a situation like that where someone handed me something I didn't believe in. Would I be polite and take the contents or would I politely decline? Would I offer my beliefs to the person? Why is okay for all races and all sexes to say whatever it is they want to say but Christians are censored? Didn't we just celebrate our independence allowing us our freedom of speech? Did Christians do so much damage over the years that we no longer hold any credibility? Think about this...would the gospel have been advanced this far if believers only shared their faith at the most comfortable and perfect setting?

2 Corinthians 4: 1-6

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Just love the Lord with all your heart and try not to figure it out on your own. Things may happen that just don't make sense and it is best to trust God to see you through it. You know eventually it will all come together and God will reveal to you the lesson behind the valley or test. It is hard to stay still when you feel so much is happening but do it because the Lord wants to show you His amazing power and show you what He can do. Just stay the course and keep your eyes on God. He's got this!

Proverbs 3:5

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Never try to get even with someone who wronged you. The Lord fights all battles and He makes it clear in His word that we are to love and not take matters in to our own hands. In the NLT version it says that we are not to take revenge but to allow "the righteous anger of God" and it goes on to say for "He will pay them back." Let go of whatever it is or whoever it is that wronged you and allow the Lord to protect you and fight for you. He will win every time.

Romans 12:19

Monday, July 4, 2011

Have you been rejected by someone? It stings and it hurts. I know. It has been a painful part of my journey and I struggled with it for a long time, until I gave it to the Lord and let it it go. It is the only way we truly can be freed from it. If someone doesn't see things the way you do, we can agree to disagree. But sometimes people are convicted by the Holy Spirit and they don't want to deal with what you represent or have to say and they run from it. They are truly running from God and His truth but to us if feels personal, like we are the ones being rejected. But in fact they are rejecting God. I represent the light and there is only the light or the dark. And if you run from me, you are running from the light. If this ever happens to you the best thing to do is give them up to God and ask that every seed of truth spoken be one day deep rooted and watered so it will grow on good soil. No word goes void and one day they will remember the words you ministered to them. Just love them, pray for them and set them free for we know God will tend to their garden. Happy 4th of July!

Matthew 13: 13-16

Sunday, July 3, 2011

We as a country are celebrating our independence and freedom this holiday weekend. But are we as individuals truly free? Many think they are free because they are debt "free" or addiction "free" but so many live a life of sin there fore it is impossible to say we are truly "free". In order to be truly "free" we must have a relationship with Jesus Christ and we must build that relationship by reading and memorizing the Word. Repent our sins and turn away from them. A life filled with sin does not make us free. So I encourage you to truly celebrate your "freedom" today by turning your life over to Jesus and make Him your Lord and Savior. It is then that you will truly be "free" of all things. Have a blessed Sunday!

Galatians 5:1

Saturday, July 2, 2011

God is faithful. You can count on Him for all things. I just rest in His presence today and I reflect back on this holiday weekend and I thank Him that I am home and happy and no longer enslaved to anyone. I am blessed to be with my family and friends and grateful He has restored my home and my marriage. Holidays do this to me...all of them....just makes me reflective and I think it is good to praise the Lord for all He has done. Too often people run to God when they are in need or facing a detrimental circumstance. How nice it is to simply tell Him we love Him and we thank Him for all He has done and will continue to do. So tell God you love Him today! And have a blessed and safe weekend!

Psalm 97:12

Friday, July 1, 2011

Try not to judge one another. Just accept each other for who you are. Love each other. Too often people view other people's lives and choices and pass judgement. Or offer unsolicited advice about how they would handle something. But you are not them. You have no true idea how you would react or handle anything unless God placed you in that position. The Lord may call you for something that someone else will never experience. The people that play it safe and never get out of their comfort zone of faith will never really experience the great power of the Lord. I believe when individuals walk out on faith in whatever it is they are seeking, the Lord can truly move in their lives. But no matter what we choose as a believer, it is not our right to pass judgement on another. I have people tell me I am in denial, I am nuts, irresponsible, out of touch with reality because I left my job after 21 years in this shaky economy "simply" because I lacked "fulfilment" and I should have "sucked it up". Ouch! Wow harsh words? Yes. Judging words? For sure. How did I react? As lovingly as I can because they do not know the works of the Lord and what He called me to do. He has provided every step of the way and has fulfilled my life in every way because I obeyed and exercised my faith in Him. To the outside I am viewed as crazy and I get that but perhaps that is why it is I that Jesus asked to do such an act. Because I could and I would for Him. It is now that I see His amazing power on my life and of my husband's. The chains of bondage are broken and I am free. No one knows where I have been or what I have been through therefore you cannot judge me. Please don't do it to anyone else. It hurts, it angers, it causes dissention and it is not of God. We are to obey His command today and love one another, forgive one another and not judge one another. For we will reap what we sow and you never know when you will be called to do something in the name of the Lord. Words to think about......

Luke 6:37