Saturday, December 31, 2011 New Year's Eve

2011 is coming to an end. I am titling 2012 as the "Year of God's Promises" so I pray that it is filled with joy and peace, triumph and victory. I have learned a lot through my journey and I can see how trying to please man also known as being a "people pleaser", that it took my focus off trying to please God. I compromised my faith without even knowing it so my vow was to keep Him center of my life and in all things, acknowledge and consult Him. I must say it is a powerful thing to do and I have marveled at His work. He methodically began to right my wrongs, decisions I made without asking first, and it has been fascinating. In some areas it was instantaneous and in others, slower than honey dripping from a spoon. But waiting is part of our walk and I have learned to get used to it for when one chapter closes, another one opens and so we always will be waiting upon Him. Once we understand that we will never reach completeness because He wants us forever dependent on Him, we can grasp and understand how deep His love is for us. This is a lifelong relationship and journey with our Father. So for the times we reach our patience level or worry about our future, STOP and recite...."For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling that I may walk before God in the light of life".

Psalm 1:6

Friday, December 30, 2011

Dear Lord,

I just want to come to you today to say thank you for loving me and setting me free. Thank you for giving your life up for me. Thank you giving people that believe in you and trust in your Son life in abundance. I trust you today. I place my life into your hands and I ask that you lead me each and every day with your voice. I lift up my family and my husband and may your face shine upon them this upcoming year and may you continue to bestow them with your favor and blessings in 2012. I lift up my enemies to you and I ask that You reveal yourself to them by opening up their eyes and their ears, softening their hearts, and drawing your Son near to them. I am believing in your promises for our lives and I know that my obedience has pleased you and I ask that you protect me from what is not of you and help me stay in your will. I pray for good health, peace, prosperity and harmony in the life of my loved ones and myself. I am believing that 2012 will be a spiritual awakening and healing in my physical being, emotional being and mental being. I ask for life in abundance and that I may be used for your purpose and Honor. I love you and I worship you and I give this day to you.

It is in Jesus' Name I Pray. Amen.

Philippians 4: 4-7

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Thanking the Lord is so important for our relationship with Him. To be able to reflect back on all His work and moving in our lives this past year can be overwhelming and I sometimes tear up because I am overcome with gratitude. I see how much He is moving in the lives of those I love and how the power of His hand is at work. I am forever grateful and in awe of Him. I truly am blessed by the promise that He is in control of my life and to know that I do not need to be anxious for anything. I can get carried away looking at my circumstances and some uncertainties in my life and I worry. That is why my home is "armed" with scriptures and plaques of His very promises. Yesterday I felt alittle nervous and in my kitchen is a beautiful hand carved wooden block that reads Be still and know that I am God and it immediately soothed my soul. I have God is in Control in several areas of my home and they always meet my eye at the very moment I need to know He is. He speaks to me through His words in my home and it calms me. I feel He is near me and it creates a sense of wellness and calmness. I strongly encourage you to visit a local Christian bookstore or web store and purchase spiritual reinforcements and arm your house like I do. And know that He loves us and promises us joy and peace even in the scary times. Today I choose to concentrate on His love, His favor and His glory. I want to thank Him and praise Him for all that He is. He is my Father and my Best Friend and I want for nothing more. So join me today in thanking Him for all He has done and all He is going to do.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

We must be careful not to establish a "substitute God". Food, drink, career, children, technology, etc. When we turn to people or things that take our focus off of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it becomes a substitute. Be mindful and aware. Ask the Lord every morning to guide you every day and ask that He lead you by His spirit in everything you do. This will seal you up but it is still not enough. He must be first and center of our being. This cannot waver, nor can it be altered. We need to line up our thinking with God and His word. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God that will bring victory in to our lives.

Romans 12:2

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Do not let anyone steal your joy. Do not allow anyone to make you feel uncomfortable or guilty for your blessings. There is no condemnation in Christ and that means when you feel guilt for something or someone, it is not of God. I had to end a very important friendship years ago because I felt as though I could not share my joys with her. She would appear jealous and uncomfortable and was void of any emotion and I was always a loyal friend to her but when her life was not going well, she did not want mine too nor did she want to hear about any joys in my life. I had to do something very painful and break up with her. I refuse to have anyone in my life that will not allow me to express myself, share my blessings and want good things for me. There is enough evil in the world and enough spiritual warfare going on that I have the desire to be surrounded by solid and loyal people. It is so nice to be able to have other believers in your circle because it becomes such a deeper level of trust and I love to pray for others and others to pray for me. Jesus was very alone in His life and counted very few men in his most inner circle and I feel like that. My husband and I guard ourselves and that can even mean from family. We choose to surround ourselves with others that love us and are happy for us. All we live to do is glorify God and I made a personal vow that I would live my life exemplifying God and that means sharing all He has done for us. When someone takes it on a secular level as bragging or they mock me, then I know the presence of the Lord is not amongst us and I guard myself spiritually. We must have spiritual awakening and a discerning heart that allows our faith to take action. Do not stand by and allow people into your life that are speaking negative, offering non biblical advice and not sharing in your triumphs and peaks of joy. I pray that the Lord give you all today the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the heart to accept His truths in all aspects of your life today. I pray your life be filled with His glory and honor and that your blessings be in abundance. Have a blessed day in Him.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Monday, December 26, 2011

Love the Lord with all your heart. Trust the Lord with all your heart. Holidays are not always the best of days for some families and it cannot be said that everyone has a blessed and joyful time. Families that are divided, filled with discord and strife. Do you feel you are outcast because of your faith and beliefs? We must hold our families up to the Lord and ask that He heal, restore, renew them for we cannot do it alone. He has already prepared a way for you on this unknown journey you are taking. He knows you feel alone, scared and even abandoned by your own family members. But we serve the Lord first and foremost and when family does not understand your relationship with the Lord, we are to give it to God. Serve the Light, serve the Lord and leave the rest to Him.

Matthew 19:29

Sunday, December 25, 2011

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Price of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas to you all and let us all chant together Happy Birthday Jesus!

Saturday, December 24, 2011 Christmas Eve

The birth of Jesus is a beautiful story of faith and trust. Joseph exemplified it when Mary was with child and they were not married yet. Joseph was a righteous man and wanted to protect Mary from the town scrutiny for her condition was scandalous. But the angel of the Lord told him the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit and the baby would be born a son and they were to call him Jesus and he would save people from their sins. Joseph listened to the commandment of the Lord and took Mary as his wife and indeed named Him Jesus. So as we celebrate this precious life that was given to us, I pray we all know the true meaning of Christmas and what a gift this baby's birth truly was. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Matthew 1: 18-25

Friday, December 23, 2011

My prayer today is for all the people who are searching for answers and feel lost and alone. Those that are trying to do it on their own and instead of choosing the narrow path of life, they are choosing the broad path of destruction. The way to life is Jesus. He will renew your mind and spirit and restore your thoughts. He will heal you, make you whole. Our bad choices eventually catch up to us and it leads to sad, negative and often bitter lives. Our sin separates us from the life God desires us to have. It is our own self that is standing in the way. If you were in a burning building and the only way to save your life was through a doorway and someone was standing in your way, you would grab that person with all your might and make him move out of your way so your life could be saved. Well it is no different now. If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or if you do know Him but have since chosen a path away from His truths, than grab a hold of yourself and move yourself out of your own way. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, right your wrongs but more importantly, allow Him to love you. That is all He wants and it is all you need. So if you are wondering what life is all about, how you got to where you are, if you are questioning your future...let go and let God. What a wonderful time to do it. Be blessed today and everyday in Him.

Romans 10:9

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Do not get caught up in the "paralysis of analysis", but instead keep up your daily routine while your spiritual eyes and ears are alert to God's promises. I shared this with my friend this morning that God does not want us all distracted trying to figure it all out. Waiting on God is not always easy but we must go about our daily lives knowing that God is orchestrating all for our good. His timing is perfect and I am claiming that for my own life right now. My faith involves me being constantly dependent on God therefore He has me right where He wants me. I battle with my own secular thoughts and natural desires to want to "plan and prepare." It is a daily spiritual choice to trust God and take each day in Him as one day at a time. I do not depend on my own feelings of peace rather I strive to be principle centered which is my circumstances do NOT dictate my joy, for peace comes from the Lord. I choose to believe in what God says about me in His word. If you are struggling like I am today, just trust in Him with me and know, know, KNOW that He has us in the palm of His hand and choose to look upon Him and honor Him this holy weekend. Do not be distracted by the world and its ways. I pray that you have a blessed and favored holiday season in all that you do.

Philippians 1: 27-30

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

What do you believe? Who do you believe in? Did you know the only way to eternal life in Heaven is through God's Son Jesus Christ? Has anyone ever shared the story of Jesus with you? The gospel itself? This time of year brings out a lot of emotion, compassion and empathy for the less fortunate and people feel led to help. I think it is wonderful to cook a meal for someone, feed the homeless, write an offering check for a poor family, but what good is any of it without building the foundation with them so that the Lord can restore their lives in every way? I pose the question do you know Jesus because I would be making the same assumption right now if all I spoke of was lending a hand to another if you did not know the life of The Savior. It is a personal relationship with the Only One that gave up His life so that we could have ours. There are so many "religions" out there that are simply man's interpretation and exaggeration of the Truth. There are no other spiritual leaders that sacrificed their life for you that is because Jesus is not a spiritual leader....He is 100% God and 100% Man. He died on the cross and paid for our sin debt. He rose from the dead and offers us eternal life. He goes and prepares a place for us and is coming back to take us to His Kingdom of Glory, which is Heaven. To receive this free gift of eternal life, you must accept Jesus as your Savior and make Him Lord of your life and commit to His ways. It is through faith and repentance that establishes the right relationship that God longs to have with all of us through His Son Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray that you make the decision for Jesus today and please remember that it does not cost anything to believe, but it costs everything not to.

John 14:6

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

I watch and I hear about the fascination over the football player Tim Tebow and I wonder why there is such an uproar over him getting on one knee? Banning children in school from doing it. Making fun of Jesus on late night satire television. In today's world where you have to be mindful of everyone else's race, gender, age, or sexual preference, is it allowed for Christianity to be prejudiced against? Here is a young man giving glory and honor to His Lord God Almighty and pop culture has to label it "tebowing" like it is a fad. Idolatry has taken over this country and yet Jesus made it crystal clear when he said, "You shall have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:3 I pray for this country as we grow closer and closer to the return of Jesus. I pray for the children who have yet to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. I shutter at the thought that praising God now has been renamed after a football player and it is causing controversy. It is in these sad precious times that I ask for the Lord to touch this very nation with His kind and gentle Spirit and I ask Him to forgive those that do not know what they are saying. May He reign in our hearts and minds and I personally ask the Lord to grant this special young man with His loving favor and honor for He is exemplifying the One and giving glory to His life in bold and mighty way.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Worship the Creator. Do not allow yourself to love the gift more than the Giver. All blessings bestowed upon us are from our Holy Father. This time of year many get caught up in the gift giving and receiving and it is a wonderful tradition when kept in perspective. The Lord loves His children, especially when we bless one another. Nothing pleases Him more than to see people charitable and giving to others. I am the youngest of five and I love Christmas, always have. I love the decorating, shopping, entertaining, cooking...all of it. But I honestly must say my favorite part is to get someone everything they asked for. To bless them. It is the greatest joy to me. Yes, I love a gift too but I truly am blessed beyond measure and want for nothing. I am blessed with favor and honor, which can never be bought. The Lord has allowed me time off from work so that I can rest in Him and enjoy my home. He has delivered my husband and renewed His life and heart and I have watched a changed life now live only to honor and serve God. He continues to work in my life changing me into the person He created me to be, for His purpose, not man. Therefore I do have a deeper gratitude spiritually than I have ever before. I understand that Christmas is much more than sparkly bows, tinseled trees and mistletoe. It is to celebrate the birth of Jesus and all that He has given us. I pray that everyone reading this knows the true meaning of Christmas and keeps the focus on the One who it is all for. And enjoy all the tidings and joy He has given. Have a wonderful Spirit filled holiday season.

Psalm 84:11

Sunday, December 18, 2011

The Lord heals us, blesses us, restores us and seals us up....our job is to respond! Allow your life to be led by the Spirit. I was hearing a sermon speak on how society tries to fill their voids with alcohol, drugs, pills, food, people, lust. Yet if you are a believer, we are empowered by the presence of the Holy Ghost and if we allow ourselves to be led by Him, then we will see there is no need for any substitute. Our inner most being will be filled with joy, peace and assurance and not led by anxiety, fear or circumstance. My prayer today is for deliverance over any addiction, habit, or thinking that distracts me from the true Healer and Restorer. May I instead be One with Him and His Light and Truth.

Romans 8:14

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Do you know someone who has back slidden in their faith? I do and it is very hard for me to watch. I saw the abandonment of their faith slowly begin because of what they viewed as unanswered prayers and a lack of true growth. No one explained to them that our Christian faith starts as a seed that must be watered through prayer, then it grows through knowledge and then it becomes fruitful through faithful pruning. Our spiritual life is a changing and growing relationship with God. It is no different than any friendship or relationship you have with a person now. It must be nourished, catered to and managed through time, attention and care. The Lord wants to be our friend and wants to be a part of our every day life. I have seen so many come to the Lord and say the prayer of salvation and they think that is it. They think they have done their part in accepting the Lord as their Savior and now it is easy street. Their naive mindset that the Lord simply answers all prayers regardless of His will, because they asked. And because of their lack of knowledge, they see the Lord's "no's" as denials, instead of a possible delay. This behavior is childlike because their faith never grew. He is no longer the "fun genie" that just gave them whatever it is they desired. He was not the bank machine they thought he would be. In order to grow in spirit and in maturity, we must keep Him first in our lives and never compromise our faith for anyone or anything. We must understand that Christianity is to be maintained through daily communication with Him, seeking His voice and obeying His Word. Loving others and giving of yourself for the sake of Christ. I don't think everyone knows nor understands that when they confess the Lord as their Savior, that it means a mind changing, spirit changing, action changing life. That a new life is born in Him as we die to our self. Please be mindful of new believers and encourage them to get into a solid scriptual based church. Hold them accountable when they begin to stray. I have not done enough for this person and I know I need to. The Lord takes us to conversations that will be uncomfortable for us and we must trust in Him to be the intercessor on our behalf. Therefore I pray today that He gives me the boldness to do this and if you are in my same position, I ask that he grant you the same. In Jesus name.

Romans 10: 9-11

Friday, December 16, 2011

The greatest thing we can do for ourselves is be passionate about life. Bear fruitful testimony for our brothers and sisters so that they can come to know the Lord our God. Encourage one another with a kind word rather than a critical sneer. Pray often. Spend time worshiping the Lord, praising Him and resting in Him. Stay in the Word learning about Him. This is life and how He wants us to live it. I truly believe that if we all chose this path, whatever we faced, it would be with spiritual matureness and awareness. Our blessed assurance would be in abundance and anxiousness would have no place. Learn to be bold in your Faith and secure in your walk. Live for God, put Him in the center and everything will come together.

1 Peter: Chapter 4

Thursday, December 15, 2011

This time of year brings with it a lot of hustle and bustle to many. I see the houses decorated, lit porches, packed stores and parties but are they celebrating the birth of Jesus or just celebrating to celebrate? Do they know the true meaning of Christmas? The same people who reject the gospel will buy presents and bake cookies and participate in the office Pollyanna yet shun your sharing of the Word. A small local town where I live is being crucified because they have a banner up that reads, "Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas" and the freedom from religion foundation argues that it promotes the Christian Faith and is demanding it be removed. This saddens my heart that a man in a red suit who flies across the sky to deliver presents to the entire world is believable yet the One Solitary Man who came to deliver the greatest gift of all and give us all life is denied. I can only pray that we believers unite together and pray that the lost be found and that the seeds of salvation you plant be watered and nourished in His time. It is in His name I pray, Amen.

Matthew 1: 20-21

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

God desires to pour out His Mercy on those that confess and then give those strength to live a changed life. To be successful in God's eyes is to be strong and courageous and have a Faith that acts in boldness. To obey in His two love commands which are to love God and love others. To actively seek a relationship with Him. To pray and read His word daily and to know that God's opinion of us is all that matters. We can spend a lifetime of accumulating human wisdom and yet never learn how to have a personal relationship with our Lord. We must come to the crucified and risen Christ in order to receive eternal life and enjoy a intimacy with our Savior. How we respond to God's grace is the testimony of our lives. Always remembr greatness is measured by your Faith in God.

Acts 15:11

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Lord will test you but He will never tempt you. The enemy is the one that will use temptation to make you sin and cause you to stumble. We really need to pray for discernment to know the difference. I personally believe people give the enemy way too much credit and "stage time" when in reality not every bump in your road is caused by him. And I believe other times we are too nonchalant to the power of the principalities. We create our own issues at times and other times the Lord is allowing events to take place to test our strength, faith and heart. It is up to us to learn more and study the Word in order to decipher. I was sharing with someone recently that I believe we all need to study about spiritual warfare and how to pray when we feel the enemy is pressing down on our spirits. We have power over the fallen angel therefore if you tell it to flee in the name of Jesus, it must. Satan is dirt on the bottom of your shoes and you need to tell him so. Some people think he has powers over us and he has none for we are covered with the blood of the Lamb and he knows it and it is up to you to know it. Arm yourself with prayer and speak it out loud often. Do not speak fears and negative things out loud for it will be used as his tools later. He usually tempts you at your weakest moments....when we are tired and when we are hungry. Did you know that? He will use whatever crumb you leave for him against you later. If you have anger issues, he is going to tempt you through your own anger. If you suffer from lust, then expect it to be through that angle. It is not hard to figure out and the Lord will never use the devil's leftovers in your life so be wise and spiritually aware at all times. I say this to share what I have learned, not to scare. But the more we know and the stronger we get and the more temptations we conquer, the less he will try. Just stay strong in your faith and in your walk and let no weapon ever formed against you to prosper. I pray that the Holy Spirit place a hedge of protection around you today, your family and your home and that the armor of God intended for your good be worn from head to toe today. I ask that the Lord keep you safe in His care at this very moment and whatever it is you are facing, may you lean on the blessed Father to help you through. It is in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

James 1: 13-15

Monday, December 12, 2011

Tell someone today what a blessing they are to you! Open up your heart and allow someone in. Do not withhold an encouraging word to another that is hurting today. Display the light of our Savior in your actions today. This time of year brings out a lot of emotions in people. Some become very melancholy, blue, more seriously some become very depressed at the holidays. We must be extremely sensitive to others. Allow our actions to be led by the Spirit and when we do that, I believe we will be more apt to discern another person's pain. We must remember not all of us have homes, relationships, children, friends, family or even a place to go at Christmas time. I believe because we know the truth of this holiday season, that the best gift we can give another is the prayer of salvation and the story of Grace. Grace which is unmerited favor. SO many people don't know they can receive the wondrous gift of Grace and that it is free to those that love and receive the Lord. So I challenge you all this Christmas season to share the gospel with a friend, a co-worker, a family member...the Lord will lead you directly to the very person so simply pray and ask Him to arrange that divine appointment for you and He will. Jesus is the reason for more than just a season, He is the reason for Life. Go share the good news today!

Ephesians 2: 1-10

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Forgive one another no matter what the cost. As I learned in church this morning, it is better to ask someone for forgiveness and have it not be reciprocated than hold on to it in your own heart. The Lord forgave us when He died on the cross and continues to forgive us and wipe the slate clean every time we ask. This is the foundation of our relationship with Christ therefore forgiving others is not an option. I cringe when I hear people say, "I will never forgive you"...we have no choice but to forgive. Sometimes forgiving is part of the healing process and it frees people to move on. It does not always mean relationships will withstand the matter that caused the pain in the first place. I have had to let people go in my life that were very important to me but I learned that I had to also let go of the past and forgive all the pain and hurt that was once caused. I have also had to swallow my own pride and ask for forgiveness even when it was hard for me. I am a grown woman and yet I still would regress to a young little girl when someone would not accept my apology for I knew that they had to. I heard people say, " I will forget but will never forgive you." Do yourself a mighty favor in your life and let your anger, pain, hurt, bitterness, strife, discord, distrust....let it all go! Ask the Lord to help you move forward and walk the path of righteous and He will. Allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within you and guide your heart and mouth and mind to these things that bind you. Refresh your spirit and renew your mind and move on. Do not allow anything to come between your Lord and your relationship with Him. Staying in His will should be what we all strive for and long for. I agree with my Pastor, if we all practiced this art of harmony, we would live in a kinder world. Do right and give the consequences to God.

Colossians 3:13

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Have you ever wondered why the Lord instructs us to pray for our enemies? Why it is so important to guard our minds against jealous, hate or envy? It is all to protect us! I always use the slang term "spiritual boomerang" to describe the ill effect it has on a person that "wishes" or "hopes" ill will on another human being. A worldly way to describe these people are "haters". Those that do not wish good things for others. I have been on the receiving end of those daggers both in my personal and professional life. The competition in the workplace was palpable and resentfulness and jealousy ran rapid there. But somehow you expected it but when it occurred with those I trusted and counted as part of my inner circle, that hurt. I always try to correct people when they say something negative about another or wish something negative, not because I am so wonderful and perfect, but to protect that person against bad seeds. The Lord is extremely protective over His own and when someone thinks bad thoughts or hopes for bad things to happen to you, they will end up happening to them. Don't ever envy some one's marriage or relationship. Don't ever be jealous of another's financial success or accomplishments. Don't "hope" to yourself that someone doesn't get married or succeed in their promotion or performance because the opposite will happen. The Lord will bless that person in abundance with the very thing you are hoping against and those bad seeds will be dropped back on you. I warn you as a Christian sister to guard your heart and mind! Align them with the Lord and get on your knees before Him and release yourself of any bad thoughts you have. The bible says never to gloat over someone else's misfortune. I know it is hard to pray for your enemies. That is why God commanded us to. I know it is difficult sometimes to ask the Lord to bless the very person that is causing you pain or harm. That is why the Lord tells us to. Therefore we must listen to Him and obey. Let no weapon formed against you prosper and only allow good prayers to go out for that is what you will reap. So I encourage you all to sow good solid Godly seeds and may your harvest be plenty in return. Have a blessed Saturday in Him.

1 John 2: 3-11

Friday, December 9, 2011

The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want. People get so caught up this time of year with buying and receiving presents and it saddens me. I love to give even more than receive but I see so many people with lists down to their knees of things they want. People visiting Santa Claus and talking reindeers and Christmas "wishes". Saying Happy Holidays as to not offend. Huh? I was so happy last night when my UPS man said cheerfully as could be, "Merry Christmas" and I did the same. CHRIST is CHRISTmas! Let the lights at Christmas remind us who is the true Light. And my prayer is that we celebrate Jesus all year round and not just on December 25Th. That would be my Christmas present!

Psalm 23

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Count it all joy. Everyday, in everything. The enemy wants to steal our joy and he will go to any lengths to do just that. Circumstances that occur are just his way of getting us to be sad, distracted, negative, discouraged and angry. But you have overcome him and his evil ways so declare your power and victory in Christ Jesus. Let no one or nothing steal your joy. Joy brings that innermost peace that cannot be shaken. I am joyful and at peace with a lot or a little, in good times and in bad and I allow nothing to speak in to my life nor do I allow any entity into my life. So be joyful today in Christ no matter what you are facing. No matter what the bankbook says. No matter what the circumstances are. No matter what your marital status is. No matter what! Look to Him for strength, renewal, restoration and rejuvenation and He shall give it in abundance. Be blessed and stay warm!

James 1:12

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Over 6000 views have been noted on this daily blog. The message about Jesus is being read all over the world. More people from Russia have read this daily bread in a month than the previous 14 months combined. God is amazing and His truth is universal. His love is boundless and His ways are perfect. I thank you all for coming each and every day as we learn together and share together the power of our Lord God Almighty. I pray with you in agreement that He will heal our nations and unite us in His peace and glory. And in this holiday season may more come to know Him as we spotlight our Savior, who is our Light every day not just on December 25th.

Luke 2: 1-20

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

God's no's are not punishment but protection. It is hard to know that when you are amidst something but we learn as we grow more mature in Him that we must trust His will for our lives more than we trust ourselves. His desires for us must become ours. That is the path to peace and joy and living in abundance. When we learn to accept His answers and become submissive to His final word, then we are strengthening our faith for faith is believing in the unknown. Just always keep your eyes on Him and meditate on His promises and know that He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us; to give us hope and a future. Amen to that!

Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, December 5, 2011

God's delays are not God's denials. His timing is perfect. We hear this often but do we truly understand how profound that statement is? I have heard stories of people waiting ten years plus for the Lord to move in an area in their lives. Imagine their faith? How strong they must be? This is what He desires for all of us...to have faith so strong that we trust Him no matter what . He wants us to speak honestly about our feelings and thoughts of frustrations. If we express our feelings to God we can deal with the season of waiting. And in turn this will strengthen our Faith. Always go to God in prayer so that you will gain eternal perspective through His truth in order to deal with waiting on Him constructively. I pray for those that are in their season of waiting and I ask that this message is received so that your Faith can go grow stronger in Him as you wait upon the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31

Sunday, December 4, 2011

We must be acutely aware to not let life get in the way of our time with Christ. I am talking prayer time, church time, worship time and serving time. We must never compromise our faith no matter what the reason. It is not worth the cost. I was speaking with someone recently that said she has missed church a few weeks in a row and I gently told her just to be careful because my "couple missed weeks" turned in to 8 years. It happens without you even realizing you are doing it. We place so many things before ourselves that it becomes second nature but it is never an excuse to do it with our God. So keep an eye out on yourself and remember that self examination is good. It is like taking inventory on your life. Just be on guard and be alert. And I pray for anyone that is feeling out of sorts or off track...to simply go to Him and give it to Him and He will light your path back, beautifully and with it ease. No condemnation in Christ, always remember that! And always know He loves you more than you will ever know. Happy Sunday!

Matthew 6:33

Saturday, December 3, 2011

With the knowledge of God's truth comes great responsibility. When we learn more about the Lord and His ways and truths, we become more accountable. People are no longer able to blame ignorance or lack of information. I minister to people and try to show them that the more God reveals to them through His words, the more He will hold them accountable. He will test us with what we have learned and we must always be honest and upfront with Him. If I hear something through a preacher on the television, or my Pastor at church or through the bible or someone else, the Lord is speaking to me and wants me hear Him. He views us as children but we cannot act like children. Our Christian walk cannot be fueled by fear or naiveness. Newer Christians may not know as much as you do but when you teach them or speak with them, they become more and more responsible. And we as the vessels will be blessed for honoring Him and obeying Him when we do speak those uncomfortable words to someone that may not want to hear or learn. I feel deeply driven in my spirit sometimes to tell someone something and I say it with such passion and my sister will ask me why do I care so much or bother and I tell her I cannot help but share what I know when I am called upon to. Every conversation is a divine appointment and an opportunity for us to share something we know about God's principles. I used to talk about tithing to the salespeople that I used to work with. They were highly successful and making upwards of $2500 a week and more and I would urge them to tithe 10% and give back to the Kingdom for it was God's portion and it was showing God honor and respect for their blessings. I never was scared of being mocked nor did I fear ridicule. If anything, the Holy Spirit allowed them to receive His message with grace and humbleness. I will never know who listened and obeyed His word but I know that they can no longer live nor say they never knew. And I know God will be pleased with me for speaking His truths. Stop hiding and start living for God. Stop fearing you are overstepping your boundaries or becoming involved where you have no place. If you love God and love others as yourself, then share with them. You may be the only person that ever tells someone the way to heaven is through God's Son Jesus Christ. You may the only one that ever shares with them the reason for tithing or how the Lord provided for 5000 people with a few loaves and fishes. Stop assuming and start sharing you knowledge! And do it today for we also will be accountable to the Lord someday. Be blessed!

Friday, December 2, 2011

We should only seek the approval of Jesus Christ, not man. I have met so many people that I would call "people pleasers" from trying to woo their boss or employees to the latest guy they are dating. Moms who are consumed with children at the expense of their faith. We get so caught up in the blessings and gifts we have received that we lose sight of the Giver. I speak from personal experience that when you begin to lose focus through all of life's distractions, you run the risk of compromising your faith. Too often people are committing idolatry and they don't even know it. I recently spoke with someone whose grown teenager was praying to God for an Ipad and they happened to receive a check in the mail that covered the cost plus some. The teen bought the Ipad and then gave the leftover money to his mom and said, "tithe this". I was not impressed and expressed so. I verbalized my concern that the child gave God the leftover money, not the first 10% as commanded and even prayed to God for this "gift". I was saddened by the whole thing and could not even feel joy for this child mocked the Lord's existence a week earlier and now was praying for this expensive item. The Lord wants to be first in our life, not second, third, fourth, fifth. He certainly will not continue to bless anyone that continues to turn to Him only when they wants "things". I believe the Lord shines mercy and will come down to our level in order to get our attention but He won't continue to give if the gifts outshine the Giver. Just keep an eye on yourself and your loved ones and "call them" out on their actions if you worry they are straying or losing focus. Just keep God first this holiday season. He is the One that blesses us all, not Santa, and certainly nor luck or karma. Just remember to keep CHRIST in your life everyday, not just at CHRISTMAS. Amen?!

Isaiah 42:8

Exodus 20:3

Thursday, December 1, 2011

I Praise God for always being so faithful and for being so good to me. He never stops blessing me with His love and I am forever grateful. I find in this life that is it rare to find someone that you can truly trust and count on and it can be very disheartening. I honestly do not have many people in my inner circle. And those that are, share my biblical views and faith. It is important that we watch who we confide in and who we ask to pray for us. I do not allow people to speak in to my life nor do I allow their sins to come into my life. Therefore, I am very guarded with my home, my heart and my mind. I am mindful of who I keep my company with. The Lord wants us to exemplify Him and glorify Him in all that we do and that can lead to a lonely life. But I choose to live for God and I love Him more than my old lifestyle and my old relationships/friendships. I lean on Him and I am totally dependent on Him for He is my One and True Friend that will never leave me, never forsake, nor ever betray me. And for those of you who feel alone and this time of year definitely brings out those otherwise suppressed thoughts, lean on God. Be dependent on God and I promise you, His friendship and His love with fulfill your every desire and your every need. Memorize His promises to you and claim them for your own. And most of all, live for God and the rest will all come to pass. Have a blessed Thursday!

John 15:5