Wednesday, November 30, 2011

6 years ago today I said goodbye to my Dad. He was 86 years old and lived a full life as husband and father of 5. He provided for us and afforded us the blessing of having a stay at home mom who was there for me everyday after school. I have nothing but soothing and happy memories and I know I am very blessed to be able to say that. My childhood was healthy and balanced and it was satisfying, especially being the baby of 5. I had 2 older sisters and brothers so I did not lack attention. We were raised in the Catholic church and attended prayer meetings with my mom regularly. We grew up watching my mom pray with the rosaries as she recited her novena books. She was and still is a faithful woman of God and she never wavered. She believed in Jesus and lived her life with Him in the center. I recently had to take my mom, who is now 85, to a doctor to perform tests and one of her tests was to write something down and she wrote, "I love Jesus". I mean come on? Gotta love her. And she raised us the best way she could with principles, morals and manners. We as adults all made our own decision to leave the Catholic church and attend a bible teaching grounded church. But we always remained respectful of my mom, who remains to this day a practicing Catholic. But I prayed the prayer of salvation with her so I know she will be with us all in heaven someday so I am thankful. I am grateful in knowing my Dad is dwelling in the Most High because He believed in Jesus and asked Him in to His heart in his 70's. Better late than never. I pray for those that have unsaved loved ones. I pray with you in agreement that they come to know the Lord and His truths and confess Him as their Lord and Savior. There is no greater thing to know than your family and loved ones are saved and sealed up. It is never too late so don't ever give up no matter how many years you have praying or no matter how old someone is. We must pray with fervor for the lost. For they do not know the eternal life of damnation and darkness and despair that lies ahead. Hell is real and it is their future if we do not pray for them NOW. Salvation is the number one thing we must have on our hearts, souls and minds. Believe me, we are not guaranteed tomorrow so please be earnest in your prayers and may the light of the Lord shine upon you. Be blessed!

John 3:16

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

"Be strong and of good courage, and do it". Words of instruction taken right out of the bible. I have always believed in my Lord and His endless power. His bountifulness and faithfulness. I don't use the word dream, I use the word pray....for I have always prayed for enlarged territory, to be used by God and to live in abundance. And when you pray boldly like that, expect God to respond. When I was first saved, there was no fanfare or rock bottom story to claim. I simply knew the Lord was real and I believed in Him and His sacrifice for my life therefore I gave my life to Him. My life as a believer was thriving until I began to stray slowly in my mind, then in my actions. It was a downward spiral of sin beyond comprehension. How could a nice girl like me end up in a place of shame that I was in? I was not listening to God therefore I certainly was not living in His will and He gave me enough rope to hang myself. It was what I needed to experience in order to truly understand the depth of His love for me and my love for Him. I was too naive and too uneducated to overcome the enemy's attacks on my life. I am so grateful the Lord kept His eye on me and when I looked upon Him to help me, He heard my cries. I remember the day like it was yesterday and I was in the 2ND row in church standing next to my youngest niece. I asked the Lord to forgive me of my sins and transgressions and to heal me of all my wrongs and it was then my body began to tremble, convulse, shake out of control as if something was running through my body from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. My niece had both arms around my waist holding on to me for dear life as if I was going to be blown away. It was intense and it was cleansing and when it was over I felt like I had climbed a mountain. It was that day I rededicated my life to Him and I am sooo thankful to say that was in 15 years ago this week and He has been the center of my universe ever since. I am so grateful to the power of that scripture for He gave me the strength and the courage to do it and He forever changed my life. I pray the same for all of you today. Be blessed in Him.

1 Chronicles 28:20

Monday, November 28, 2011

Disappointment in ourselves is inevitable but discouragement is a choice. We all fall short of the Glory of God. Romans 3:23 But His word says nothing will separate us from His love. Don't ever think there is anything you have done that is not forgivable by God. He loves us so much that He gave up His life for us so that we can live eternally with His Father in Heaven. And that sacrifice of life IS our assurance that although we will fail God, He will forgive always. Confess your sins to Him and they will be washed away. It is that simple. The devil will use anything in your past or present to paralyze you where you are. He will attack your mind, your dreams, your actions if you do not guard yourself. He comes when we are tired, hungry and anxious. And then what happens is we sin, then we wallow in our guilt, then we become distracted and we begin to think we are not worthy so why bother trying to be perfect? If God is never going to be pleased then why waste our time? And there it is....our discouragement becomes stunted spiritual growth. That is where we make the choice that hurts us. And that is what the enemy wants you to do...feel you are not good enough, strong enough, worthy enough. It is a lie and it is lethal. Therefore I encourage you to look up scriptures on falling short in God's eyes, sinning and condemnation. It is part of our journey and it is inevitable to be disappointed but we must never give up on ourselves or in the power of our Almighty God for it is He that called us. Just know none of us are worthy of His love and that is why He gave us His gift of Grace. It is that free gift that explains it all. So ease up on yourself and remember the Lord is faithful and forgiving. Just go to Him and He will be there waiting. Have a blessed Monday!

Proverbs 28:13

Psalm 32: 1-6

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Make your petitions known to God. He is listening and wants you to go to Him. Prayer is so important to our relationship with the Lord for it truly is how we communicate with Him. I love to sit with my morning coffee in the dimmest of light and just talk with Him. I know He is with me. Whatever you need or are feeling, pray about it. Never take the stance that God is too busy or your request is too much for nothing is too much for God. Sometimes when we pray, it is good to simply give Him praise and thanks for all He has done. For me, I just want to be near Him and live my life for Him and I feel His presence more than ever when I am praying with Him. When I hear Christians tell me they don't pray much or touch their bible outside of church I am saddened for we need to be learning, listening and loving Him each and every day. So my prayer for all of us is that we increase our time with Him and that we make Him the center of our lives. May nothing else matter next to the love we have for Him. And may your upcoming week be blessed with an abundance of joy, peace and love.

Philippians 4: 6

Matthew 7: 7-8

Isaiah 55:6

Saturday, November 26, 2011

It is imperative that we listen to the Lord when He asks us to step out in faith. There are so many people that are paralyzed in fear, that it causes them to disobey. Fear of the unknown or fear of any radical change. But what we must realize is we need to be radical for Jesus and sometimes that means taking such leaps of faith that to the secular eye, it may make no sense. I tell the story of how the Lord told me it was time to leave my job of 20+ years to follow Him. I heard the whisper in my heart, "it is time" and right then and there on a Monday afternoon at 1:45pm, I resigned from my job that earned me upwards of $100,000 a year. No warning, no plan, just faith.....radical faith. And through my journey of the last year and a half, the Lord has provided every single thing my family and I have needed. I look at every need as a daily bread and I no longer plan out months and years ahead. We are blessed with our home, vehicle and savings and it causes many to scratch their heads as to how we did not lose our shirts. But that is because God gets the glory for His instruction to me was to obey His word and trust in Him for all of my needs and live my life for Him and not anyone else. I have honored Him and His word ever since and I made a vow no man, job, nothing will ever be worth compromising my faith for. But it is through my faith that I was able to take the steps ahead with Him. Just listen to His voice and know know know that anything He asks of you, He will give you the ability to do it. All it takes to see the miracle are the eyes of faith. Have a blessed weekend!

2 Corinthians 5:7

Friday, November 25, 2011

Keep your eyes fixed on God and not man. Have a heart for Jesus in all you do and He will protect you from anyone that tries to manipulate you or harm you. Allow Him to guide you through your days without angst or fear. I try to give my thoughts of suspicion to the Lord when I am feeling a certain way. I will often ask that He reveal to me a person's heart of intent to prevent me from judging which is not an action pleasing to God. But it is natural to be disappointed by man's actions. We will all disappoint each other in one way or another whether it be our words or our actions. It is only God our Father that will never let us down, no matter what. So give Him all the praise and exemplify Him in all of your days and protect your Faith for it is the most important relationship we have. Cherish it and honor it. As for those people that have hurt you, disappointed you, burdened you? Give them to the Lord and ask that He forgive them for what they do not know, forgive them yourself and then leave it where it needs to be....the past. For the Lord uses our future to mold our present, not our past. Amen to that!

Hebrews 12:2

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Give thanks to the Lord for all He is and all He given us. May your holiday be filled with peace, love, joy and gratefulness. I love you Lord and I worship and honor you.


1 Chronicles 29:13

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Today is the day before Thanksgiving and so much to do, right? I am stressing and I am alittle behind schedule but I must stop and breathe. How blessed are we? We have freedom in our country and we are free to declare our faith in our God Almighty. So why am I fussing and carrying on? I was blessed financially this year to be able to host Thanksgiving and I am home safe and sound cooking in my kitchen. So why am I down? I think a lot of people get "blue" during the holidays and it is up to us to recognize it and then through confessing it to the Lord, surrender it to Him and let it go. It is what I chose to do so I can feel grateful and happy. The Lord gave us life so we can enjoy Him and others in abundance. I just pray that whether you are spending your holiday home or at another's house with alot of people or just yourself, you find the love, the joy and the blessing of the Lord in it all. And I ask the Lord to grant you joy today in all that you are planning and may this day be filled with mercy, gratitude and lots and lots of grace. Amen? Amen!

Exodus 15:2

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

In all we do, we should be exemplifying God. I tell people if you are unsure if something would be pleasing to God then you can either a) ask yourself if Jesus was here on earth and was your friend, would you take Him where you are going? or b) ask yourself as you are doing something, where is God being glorified in this act? Are my actions pleasing and sharing the gospel? These visual questions really can help you. I remember when a new brother in Christ came to me and asked if it was still okay to go to a bar on a weekend night and I told him to simply picture Jesus accompanying him and sitting at the next bar stool drinking a beer. I asked him "would that be something Jesus would want to do?" The old classic WWJD? really is an excellent barometer for us, whether we have known Jesus for 20 years or 20 minutes. It can help us make certain life decisions as a child of God. Just be aware you are a living testimony and some people hold you up to a higher standard of living and will look to you for the way to live as a believer. It comes with much responsibility so if the next time you are not caring too much for what people think, stop and see that YOU may be the only light they see and it matters VERY MUCH for what you say and do. There is never a day off in the life of Christ.

Matthew 5:13-16

Monday, November 21, 2011

This is definitely the time of year for thoughts of thanks. With a holiday called Thanksgiving, it seems natural to reflect of what we are grateful for. I truly believe that no matter what our circumstances are or what we are personally facing, we can all find something in our lives that was a true blessing. I am thankful for so much God has done in my life this past year. What a transition my life has taken and I have witnessed the miraculous works of the Lord. It is awe inspiring and very difficult to even articulate but He knows how thankful and grateful I am. And I believe that is all He asks of us. To find love, joy and true peace in all that we have and all of our days. Share your story, share your faith and share the good news this week and always. Give all the glory and honor to Him and may your testimony be a wondrous witness to the lost.

Psalm 107:1

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Criticizing others does not please God. We are not to judge, look down on, or compete with another person. We are called to encourage, lift up and praise one another. Jesus certainly did not hang with the righteous when he walked this planet; instead he hung with the sinners and defended them to others. That is what we are called to do. Be the light where you are. Walk away from gossip or foul talk. Be the example. Be a living and walking testimony for God. Your attitude should display gratitude and joy, not anger and strife. Just love today. Be kind today. Do unto others as you would have done to you. And remember this...."the tongue has the power of life and death." Proverbs 18:21

Ephesians 4:29

Saturday, November 19, 2011

We must forgive those that have hurt us. And it is as vitally important that we ask the Lord to break the bondage's of unforgiving for those that are holding on to it against us. I worked in an industry where I must have met thousands of people and personalities over the years and in my position of authority, I also employed hundreds and I look back and see it came with a heavy price. But I pray that I no longer live in the past of that life. I must strive to look ever forward and put my hand on the plow and never look back. Luke 9:62 I want to live my life for Christ and glorify Him. I cannot control anyone's actions or thoughts other than my own therefore I give them to the Lord. I pray my household remain in God's will, favor and glory. I know it is hard when something comes up and it stirs emotions in us and our minds begin to wonder, but when you feel it happening, just ask the Lord to help you with it and ask that He remove you from the mental rut of it. I am grateful that I am a quick study and don't dwell but I know some have a harder time so I want to let you know that everyone has their own process and God knows our hearts so just acknowledge it, submit it to Him and let your forgiveness be known to Him and it shall be done.

"I thank you Lord for allowing us to come to you broken and wounded. I thank you for making me whole and anew and for your healing touch on my life and for those around me. May I give you this day of tender mercies and claim them for my own and may this day be nothing but a reflection of your love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

Lamentations 3:23

Friday, November 18, 2011

God is good all the time. During the storm of our trials and during the joy of our triumphs. He is faithful and is always with us. I know some get discouraged and feel He has abandoned them but never ever think that. We must persevere for He is your Father and loves you. His grace and mercy are immeasurable and is all forgiving so matter what you or I ever do, He forgives and loves. I truly believe the reason why so many people question God or simply get upset with Him is because they cannot grasp how wide and deep His love for us is. The journey He took on this earth ALL for us so that we would have eternal life with all sins forgiven. His grace and love is insurmountable therefore do not forget it! If you are one of those that does doubt or fear, it is okay and very natural and God understands. I encourage you to read up on His life as a man and see all he endured for you and me. Read up on His gift of Grace for which we cannot earn and yet we receive through Christ Jesus freely. Whatever you are facing today, you are not alone. He is working behind the scenes even when things seem quiet and dim. Never give up on His love for you because He will alway be with you.....amen and amen!

James 1:12

Thursday, November 17, 2011

No matter what else we do as children of God, the most important thing of all is to make sure we are always in His will. The Grace of God will always keep us where ever His will leads us so I am never afraid. I know that God knows what is best for me and even when the path He takes me on seems long and unclear, I trust the end will be for my good. I used to make my petitions known to God and never even think to myself if what I wanted was even what He wanted for me until I read the scripture that He will place His desires for us onto our hearts. I know that whatever I ask in His name and if its according to His will, it shall be done. For my Lord is faithful and worthy to be praised. If you are struggling with thoughts of... what should I do?... where is God leading me? ... Why is God allowing this to happen to my family? Stop, be still and know that He is God. Psalm 36:10 Ask the Lord to show you His will for your situation and He will. Stay in His Word as He leads you. I pray today for those that are hurting and for those who are fearful of the unknown to know that God is in control and nothing will happen that He does not allow. I pray that as you draw near to Him, He comfort you in your time of need. He loves you and hears your cries and has you in the palm of His hand. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Just stay in His will and know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Our faith should move us to want to do good deeds. Just remember that good deeds do not earn us a place in eternity. Only confessing with our mouths that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He died on the cross for us in order to have eternal life is the way to Heaven. And we must ask Him into our hearts. That is the ONLY way to heaven. When someone is asked if they believe they will enter the gates of heaven and why, the common response is usually, "yes because I am a good person". Being a good person, helping one another and showing love are all wonderful attributes and so pleasing to the Lord but just be aware that He wants your life to be His and to reflect His love and goodness. You then must commit your life and heart to Him. A repented heart becomes a changed heart. So many believe in God and know the story of Jesus but they lack the spiritual knowledge and the spiritual truths of why He was sent here on Earth. His life was to be crucified for our sins in order for us to live eternally with His Father. He sacrificed His life for yours and for mine. If you know God sent His Son but are not sure you are saved and are not sure if your name is written in the Book of Life, won't you right where you are quietly and to yourself confess your sins to Him and thank Him for dying on the cross for you and paying your sin debt and being your Savior. Ask Him to come in to your heart and be the Lord of your life and commit your ways to Him so that you can be with Him in His Kingdom of Glory. He is the only way. I pray you receive this word today. Be blessed!

John 3:16

John 14:6

Tuesday, November 13, 2011

Guard your heart, guard your tongue. And know the Lord will bless you and protect your family. Betrayal lurks amongst us and some people are out to harm you, not help you. Years ago I adopted the line, "I will no longer break bread with the associates I work with" after it was discovered they were very disloyal people. I never realized that the Lord placed that on my heart and even though I was using secular language, it was backed up biblical in Proverbs 15:17. When I open my home up to someone, I am welcoming them in. I am opening my arms, my heart, my trust. I value the sharing of a meal as a symbolic gesture of trust. Don't miss it. Be aware of who is in your inner circle and outer circle. Be wise, be aware. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and lead you. Be sensitive to the Spirit and to what the Lord may have you do or say. Align your thoughts, motives and actions with His today. Let no weapon that may be formed against you, prosper. Pray that the blood of the Lamb be upon you and that the power of God be in you, today and always. Then trust God in all you do; never seek revenge for vengeance in His. Seek His counsel before you act. Allow Him to speak for you. And just know that He will never leave, forsake or betray you for He is our God and His love endures forever.

Ephesians 6: 10-18

Genesis 12: 3

James 1: 1-27

Monday, November 14, 2011

God loves you no matter what. He does! He knows you are hurting and He knows you are suffering from guilt. Your sins will be forgiven if you ask Him. He does not want you to hold on to that mentality that you deserve your suffering because you are a sinner and not worthy. It is not true. If you take that stance than His death was for nothing. When Jesus died on the cross, He took all of our sins unto Himself, therefore allowing us to live eternally in Heaven with His Father in glory. He did not die so we could live on earth wallowing in our own condemnation and doom. He is called our Savior because He came to save us. Let Him! So many grew up in certain churches that preached this guilt/sin language that as adults they still believe it. I grew up in the Catholic church and I am grateful I never bought in to that rigid thinking but many have in backgrounds similar to mine and others. Take your focus off of religion, church and man and focus on your relationship with God. That is it. It is you and it is He, together. Lean on Him, pray to Him, cry to Him, make your hearts pure and request of Him. I meet people that are hurting everyday and they search for the "solutions" in self help books, therapy, other people, etc. and the answer is right in front of them.....the cross! Go to Him today, right where you are and He will come right to where you are. And enjoy the freedom of living with Him.

Romans 8:1

God could not have made it more plain and more simple. Be blessed!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Rejoice in the Lord for the bible tells us that He is our hiding place, protecting us from trouble. He surrounds us with songs of deliverance. He will teach and instruct us in the ways we should go and I know that He watches over us. That beautiful promise is an excerpt from Psalm 37, which happens to be my favorite. I encourage all who are weary of life's circumstances and those who are just tired and down to take yourself on a warm cozy sofa and grab your cup of java and read the book of Psalms for no one feels the same after. The Lord will lift you up right where you are and meet your daily need. He does not promise a smooth road but He tells us He will never leave us alone on such path. So I know my Lord is with me... protecting me, providing for me and loving me through it all. I cannot ask for more than that. He is my Father and my Counsel and actually......He is my everything.

Psalm 37: 7-11

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The conception of most is to place God first, your family 2nd and yourself 3rd. But people forget about "others" which includes neighbors, strangers, enemies". It is a vital part of God's expectations for us. We must not exclude "others" in our walk of obedience. Sometimes it can simply be the way you carry yourself as a believer when you are in a public place. I try to hold doors, make eye contact, smile to others, instead of thanking them I like to say, "have a blessed day". Simple simple. A lot of people get so overwhelmed in their own lives that they just conclude there is no time or place for it. Everyone is always in a hurry to get in and out. But if we are too busy for small gestures then how are we when someone needs our words of encouragement or even more? Do you have the mindset, "I have my own problems to worry about"? If you do, than that is all the more reason the Lord will continue to place people of need and situations in your path for He wants you to remove the focus off of yourself and your own needs and wants. It is true! We as Christians have an obligation to our Lord to bear proper witness by our actions and words and thoughts. Have you ever just left church and then in the parking lot shortly thereafter no one lets you out in order to leave the parking lot? Someone cuts you off or keeps driving before letting you ahead of them? I watch my husband leave and hold the door for each and every single person as they exit. And I do mean every single person. Be inspired today to think more of others than of yourself. Lift them up in prayer and ask the Lord to bring people in your path today as you run errands to share the light with....it can be with a simple smile or kind word. Just be aware and be prepared! Have a fab weekend!

Ephesians 4:32

Friday, November 11, 2011

The Lord will reveal things to you if you ask Him. I must tell you it can be very heart breaking and at other times it will anger you. But I began to ask the Lord to unmask His truths to me about people and He has been for over 10 years and I describe it as a punch in the stomach and startling but once the initial emotions subside, you are left with the pure wholesome truth of the Lord. Pray for wisdom and the Lord's revelation in your life and you will grow spiritually astute. Be prepared for it is not for the faint of heart. But I rejoice in the Lord's love for me therefore I know He will honor my prayer request when needed. Have you ever been in a situation where confusion is setting in over what or who to believe? It is at these times, simply ask the Lord to reveal to you what the truth is and who is who and He will. He longs to be close to us in everything we do so let Him in.

Luke 11:9

Isaiah 11:2-3

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Jesus will provide just what you need. These times are very scary for many with jobs being unsteady, past due mortgages, and the percentage of the unemployed in this country. But I feel it is in these times that we hold the key....our trust and faith in Jesus Christ. He knows every hair on your head surely he knows what you need. He knows you are scared of the unknown, but just remember this...."As you walk through the valley of the unknown, you will find the footprints of Jesus both in front of you and beside you." When you have done all else, stand. Be still and allow Him to guide you through the uncharted waters. Do not panic for He is with you. I know how hard it is but it your spiritual exercise to stay calm and focus on the power of our Almighty God. I choose to believe that if He is going to supply the food to the birds, He is going to provide for my family and I. Continue to tithe your seeds for they will assure your future. Do everything you can do to cut back if need be. Look at your monthly budget. I changed both auto and home owner's and saved over $1000 annually. I went on budget billing in my utilities so I am not faced with high heat and cooling bill in their dominate seasons and from the very beginning God taught me how to food shop. Just budget and be a good steward and He will honor you. I stand with you all in prayer who are faced with uncertainty and I will continue to pray you through it for He can anything!

Matthew 6:26

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Ask the Lord to protect you against your enemies and He will. The spiritual warfare between the principalities is very real. You either serve the light or the dark for you cannot serve two masters. The enemy will come against you whenever you share the gospel with a non believer. He does not want you to share the truth with them about the Lord Jesus Christ. He gets furious whenever someone comes to Jesus. The bible says all the angels rejoice at the sound of each and every saved soul declaring their salvation in Jesus. Picture your worst enemy or rival who would go to any lengths to discredit you at work in order to better advance themselves. Or the person that always has to criticize you in order to lift themselves up. That is the work of the enemy for he despises us. I know it sounds scary but it is true. You need to know that the stronger you grow in your Faith, the more resistance you may experience. I urge you to seal yourself up in prayer and ask that the Lord place a hedge of protection around, your loved ones and home and He will. This world is not a place for us to dwell in comfort for the Lord uses it as His footstool. Just keep your Faith and keep going strong and do nor fear when the attacks come. Instead rejoice and praise the Lord all the more and ask that the angels in Heaven defend you here on earth and they will. The enemy is a coward that hides behind anyone or anything so be on guard at all times. And never let it disuade you from doing your work for God. Be blessed and protected today in Jesus' name.

1 Peter 5: 8-9

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Fear not in these difficult financial times for our Lord God provides for His children in the famine. He will provide our daily bread and as my husband likes to call His surprising blessings "pennies from heaven". I told my friend it never ceases to amaze me that whenever we open our home to someone and we feed them, the Lord blesses us. Of course we never do it for that reward but it happens nonetheless and it just is so amazing how faithful He is. We never hold on to our own money or things for fear of drought because we know that we love Him more than any possession or material thing. I pray for those that hoard their wealth and for those that only help "certain kinds of people with certain kinds of situations". Those Christians in my opinion are the judgemental righteous ones that displease God for all of our blessings are in the hope that we would bless others. So do not fear for your future. Do not worry about tomorrow. Just trust in the Lord, sew your seeds of faith and never give up on the blessings He can bestow. For nothing is impossible with Jesus.

Matthew 6: 31-34

Monday, November 7, 2011

God is amazing in how He works. I have been praying for a loved one for awhile and really held him up in prayer and the Lord is answering my prayers. Just to see how though is so interesting and amazing. I shared with this person that God has His hands in the current circumstance and he replied, "I know how God operates" so I am so happy he is at peace. But that is the anointing on his life and his own blessed assurance comforting him. This person knows that because he has been obedient to the word of God and has sealed up his life with prayer, obedience, church attendance, faithful tithing and helping others that His almighty God will provide. Anyone else would be panicking or distraught but the power of God offers peace and joy amidst all things. I thank you Lord for answering my prayers and taking such care of my loved one. Your love never ceases to amaze me and I am forever in awe of you. Lift up your prayers to the Father in Heaven who loves you and wants to bless you and your loved ones in all ways this day and everyday. His word is true, His love endures and never wavers and His promises are sound and His timing is perfect. I pray that my testimony helps you to remember to pray for someone today and know that God answers prayers! He will honor you as you honor Him. Praise to the One who deserves all praise! Have a blessed day in Him.

Ephesians 3: 14-21

Sunday, November 6, 2011

God is so good to us isn't He? I am saddened when His own children disobey Him or avoid Him when He asks something of them. He is so available to us and so faithful and selfless yet some use Him when it is convenient. Convenient Christians. I am appalled by them. I know someone that got so mad at God because they never met a mate and they said what good is He? Shameful. Obedience is not a choice. One of our pastors said this morning and I loved it that our delayed obedience is actually disobedience. When the Lord calls us to do something, change something or stop something, it isn't when we are ready to do so or at our convenience. It is when He says to. Why would we be rewarded for doing the right thing when it was according to our timetable and not God's? I am so grateful that I heeded His call to me last year and listened and obeyed. Who knows where I would be today or the state of my marriage and faith if I ignored God but I know how much He has blessed me for my immediate obedience. How frustrating is it for you as parents when you ask your child to do something and they say, "in a minute Mom" rather than "OK" . Aw the words, "okay". How refreshing is that? Well God is the parent and we are the child and in the very way you expect your child to obey you , we must in turn trust the Lord and obey the Lord. Not when we think the time is right but when He calls us to ... no matter what the cost. If there is anything you have put off or anything God has asked you to do and up until this very moment you haven't done it, I encourage you to do so right now where you are and ask the Lord to speak and vow to listen then obey. Amen? Amen!

Psalm 119: 57

Saturday, November 5, 2011

God will meet you wherever you are to get your attention. Someone close to me would pray to the Lord and every time the prayer would end, the Lord would say, "stop drinking" and the person would ignore Him. This went on for over a year until one day at the end of the prayer instead the Lord said, "stop drinking for 30 days, and I will grant your heart's desires". I told the person how honored they should be that the Lord God Almighty loved them that much to make such an offering. The Lord knew this person was not responding to the "all or nothing deal" nor the ultimatum, therefore he came down to the level they were currently at . That is the amazing God we serve. He is so awesome to have done that. I am happy to give the praise report that the person obeyed the Lord and the Lord honored His word and the person has not touched a drink in over 19 months! God is faithful. Another story was of a young man who was planning on doing something that was not of God and his mother happen to find out, now putting her faith in a compromising position. She cried out to the Lord in despair for help in blocking the situation from happening. He immediately laid on her heart to give the child money to shop in exchange for his promise not to do what he was planning on doing. Because he was a young adult that had very little money but had a liking for things, he agreed to the cash and made the vow to his mother that he would abort his plans. God was not rewarding the child through money or bribery but was speaking to the child on his level-he came down to the young man's level knowing that money would be the very thing that would deter his plans and it was,much to the relief of the mom. God is so wonderful to love us so much that He will use anyone or anything to draw us closer to Him. He wants what is best for our lives so that we may glorify Him always. So if you struggle with anything that you think is impossible to overcome, bring it to God and know that He can do anything, anywhere, any time. Amen!

John 14:21

Friday, November 4, 2011

Allow the Holy Spirit to help you leave your past exactly there, in the past. I see so many people crippled by their past, whether it be of guilt or shame, or pure denial of their present. A dear person of mine lives in the past...refers to it often, prestine recollection of every one's actions including their own and dwells on it. I tried to help him rely on God to remove the thoughts but he chose to live the way he was living. We must continue to make sure our thoughts are aligned with the Lord's so He can move in our lives. He uses our future to work on our present, not our past. If my Lord Jesus Christ who is the Risen Lamb of God tells me that my sins are washed away and I am forgiven, then I am claiming the miracle and believing His word. Isn't that what we as children of God are to do? Then why is it so hard for some to let go? I urge you to pray to the Lord for deliverance and He will grant it. Condemnation is such a lie of satan to make you think you are not good enough to receive God's grace for your life. He wants to keep your mindset right where it is...on the negatives of your past transgressions, sins and mistakes so you do not cross into the present which is God's light and thrive as a soldier for Him. So you are not serving God in the dark. Remove your thoughts, actions and motives from the darken past to the purity of the lighted present and live your life to the fullest as God intended for you. I will pray with you to do it today. Amen and amen!

Romans 8:1

Thursday, November 3, 2011

The Lord is faithful and His timing is so amazing. I truly felt He laid something on my heart over a year ago and I wrote it down on a notepad and shared it with my husband and family at the time. I honestly was overwhelmed by it and the more I gave it thought, the more fearful I became at the idea so I brushed it aside. Here we are almost 18 months later, and the very thing the Lord placed on my heart is coming back up to the surface from where I pushed it down. I now see I was no where near ready for what He perhaps had in store for me/us then as I could be now. For the time I spent this last year has been about healing, forgiving, restoring and renewing. A lot of damage had been done to me where I used to work so I needed time to regroup and truly learn how to trust people again. I see how strong I am, and can now see the vision the Lord shared with me then. I believe in praying big and praying bold. I believe like the story in the book of Joshua, I can ask the Lord to make the sun stand still for me and He will. So today we are praying for the Lord's guidance in our lives and in our future and I know that if the Lord makes a way for me, I need to trust Him for what I do not know. I need to know that if He asks me step out in faith, He will provide just as He did on July 5Th, 2010. I love you Lord and I trust you. May all who is reading, truly know too the power of our almighty God and may you all lift up your most audacious prayer to He who can do anything in His name. Amen.

Joshua 10:13

Tuesday, November 2, 2011

Are you ever frustrated by someone else? I know I have some "controlling" issues when it comes to solving problems and one of the greatest gifts God gave me was the ability for me to let go and let Him in my own. But I find I still long to help others with theirs. I get frustrated when I see the situation and offer my wisdom and guidance, earned from experience, and the person does not listen. I remember a conversation I had with a friend years back who was dissatisfied with his accomplishments in life and had worked on Wall Street and got the taste of the good life and yearned for it again. I saw how distraught he was and I talked to him about the power of Jesus and His love for us can help us accomplish anything in Him and how He can help him. I shared Psalm 37:4-5 with him to let him see that God loves us and wants us to live in abundance. He knew my life was full and would often comment he wished he had my money and I knew that God would use any subject to open the doors to share the gospel and when I shared my success story of believing in Him, committing my life to Him and tithing my income to Him, he began to debate and argue and I just was like, "Huh?"...you cry you want success, you cry you want money, you cry you want contentment and peace and I offer you the way to it all and you say, "Nah. I don't believe in all that." That is frustrating. It is often we as believers will be denied,debated and/or ignored when we try to share the good news of the Lord. Others will simply change the subject or offer up an excuse as to why they have to get going. It is comical in a sense because it is so predictable yet sooooo sad. I never saw such an adverse effect to a subject in my life than the one of Jesus Christ. But it simply fuels my husband and I to trek on. It gives us the spiritual motivation to see that we need to share it all the more. So when you feel like your testimony is falling on deaf ears, don't give up. Sometimes we need to lift the person up the the Lord, keep them in our prayers and continue to allow our lives to be our living testimony. Sometimes it is all we can do and all God asks of us. But always remember that our God does not return void. Amen!

Isaiah 55:11.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Live with integrity. Be the example for someone. Take the road of grace, not of easy street. Stay strong in faith and do not waiver. Be loyal today. Give of yourself to someone of need. Lend an ear to someone hurting or struggling. And above all, exemplify God today for He is the One who gives us life. Rejoice in Him, spread the good news and live a life of gratitude, not attitude. The life as a Christian is not of convenience or self, it is of stepping out in faith, being uncomfortable and giving of one's self to others. We will truly grow in our own walk and life as we learn these biblical principles. I pray each day for my Lord to help show me how to be and what to do, for my life is in His hands. It is He we should live for, no one else. And when we live a life of pureness and of holiness, all else will follow. So no worries today. Be anxious for nothing but instead show the strength and power of your God to someone who needs Him. For He is worthy to be praised and shared. Amen and amen.

Psalm 1