Monday, September 30, 2013 "Proverbs 3:5"

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 

Proverbs 3:5 

When we give our lives to God we need to give up our mindsets of confusion, fear and  chaos.  For with Him, we have balance, peace and clarity. I tell anyone that is trying to figure Him out or trying to understand a situation to instead trust in Him and not yourself. To just "know" He has it and let that be good enough for His grace is enough. If I placed my hope and trust in Him and have the faith to believe He knows best then what on earth do I need to involve myself? His will is perfect and I know that so if something is not making sense and I find myself beginning to struggle, I remind myself He is all knowing and omnipotent and there is nothing I need to be concerned with. And I want you to do it too. Let's truly meditate on Proverbs 3:5 and truly trust in the words of the Lord.

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Sunday, September 29, 2013 "Keep Your Eyes and Thoughts on Jesus.

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. Hebrews 3:1

Keep your eyes and thoughts on Jesus!  When those around you disappoint you or your current circumstances have you in a panic, focus on Him.  It sounds so simple yet so many of us react in fear, anger, hopelessness first. But like Peter on the water, when we allow ourselves to only look at Him, we are able to do the impossible, which is to remain still and calm. But when our minds and thoughts begin to wander and drift and we allow ourselves to dwell, it can have devastating results, like Peter when he began to sink. (Matthew 14:22-33)

Had he not listened to God, he would have drowned and that is what happens to us when we sink, we drown in defeat instead of living and walking in victory. The best advice I can give is when you "catch" yourself beginning to worry or wander off, stop, and look to Him. Ask Him for the strength, the hope and the power to withstand your own feelings, which we all know "lie" to us. When we fall into that trap, we can really get off track so let's vow to God and to ourselves that we are going to completely surrender all to Him and rest in Him. He tells us He will lead and guide us if we submit ourselves to Him, so let's do that. And have a peaceful wonderful Sunday in Him. 

Give Your Heart to Jesus. CLICK HERE!

Saturday, September 28, 2013 "Serve Him Faithfully"

If You have Never Given Your Heart to Jesus, You Can Right Now. CLICK HERE.

Serve Him faithfully.  It is not about us, it is all about Him.  Our time spent serving in our community, local churches and other venues is both rewarding and being obedient. We are to serve Him in mind, body, spirit. The Bible does not speak of if we serve or when we have time we serve, we are to serve with open hearts and spirits.  The best thing we can do when we are in the midst of a trial or storm, is to focus on someone/something other than our self. It truly is the best medicine.  Don't wait for the perfect time, area or moment to serve. Get out there and just do it. The Lord may be calling you into an area you would never think of and He will equip you for the task. So rest on His word and listen for His voice and consider what great things He has done for you. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24

Friday, September 27, 2013 "Love is..."

Thursday, September 26, 2013 "Don't Worry"

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 "Cafeteria Christians"

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

I just heard that the new pope declared that those that don't believe in God will still enter heaven, because God believes in them. A debate began over how "nice" that this pope has found a "balance" to attract people back to the churches. I then heard in the debate a Christian woman say she believes in the Word of God and the bible says in John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Another person on the panel said, "but that was written by man." So here lies the dangerous and very sad truth. That this person liked what the pope, a man in the flesh, had to say about who enters heaven because it was a nice feel good sentiment while she tears down a Christian's belief that those who enter heaven must first believe in the Son of God. The bible is not a book that we can take the parts we like and live our life by them while discounting the other "inconvenient" parts. John Hagee calls it the "Cafeteria Christian" who selectively picks out what works for them. Let's be wise as a serpent and not allow the enemy to cloud our minds with this nonsense. Anyone or anything that discredits or disputes the Word of God is not of God. I don't care if they have the honor of wearing the robe and hat or a suit and tie on Sunday, if what they are preaching and teaching does not align with the Word of God, their words are not truth but rather destructive lies. So take heed, be on guard and put all your faith and trust and confidence in God and His word and never rely on man. Amen and amen!

And If You Have Never Given Your Heart to Jesus, You Can Do It Right Now..CLICK HERE!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013 "To All of God's Hurting Children"

To All of God's Hurting Children,

He hears your cries, He knows your voice.  He is with you even when you feel most alone.  He has not abandoned you nor ignored your pleas.  In fact, He wipes your tears and caresses your hair as you weep.  When you feel like you no longer can go on in your own strength, there He will be, renewing yours with His joy.  For the joy of the Lord is our strength.  Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up with His comfort, presence, wisdom and revelation and rest in the promises of His Word.  He wants you to put down the burden you are choosing to carry yourself and He is asking that you stop trying to do it in your own flesh and power for He wants you to surrender it all to Him.  His power will move for you, His will for your life will become more evident and His voice more clear.  He wants you to stop relying on man and place all your needs and cares onto Him and most of all, He wants you to know how much He loves you.   He is so pleased with you and your fervor for Him.  Your trust, faith, and obedience in Him is all He wants from you. He wants you to know, "I got this."  

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

If You Have Never Accepted Jesus Into Your Heart..CLICK HERE

Monday, September 23, 2013 " May our Words Minister Grace to the Hearer"

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Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

The Lord keeps His word and His promises therefore we believers should do the same.  We are to emulate Him for He is our role model, He is the way we are to strive to be. No we will never be perfect like Him, we are sinners, we are filthy rags next to our Holy Father, but we can do things here on earth that glorify His name and one of those is our word.  We need to honor our commitments, we need to keep our word to someone who may share something in confidence, we need to speak truth and life in our words and not gossip, lie, or talk filth. You may be the only representation of the Lord someone ever sees or knows and it is your duty to the Lord to glorify Him in all you do and when you truly meditate on that and take that privilege very seriously, you will think twice before you speak. Do not tell someone you will help them with something and then back out of it. Don't talk about one co-worker to another, no matter what it is about. Do not share with your spouse what your friend has shared with you if they have asked you not to. And do not justify any lie or any omission, as a "a little white lie" or "what they don't know won't hurt them" for no matter how imperfect we are, we should always strive to be good people - and this means not lying. The world may not know, but the Lord knows and that is how you should live your life-by His standard, not your own, not the world's. The bible is clear when it says, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.(Romans 12:2)

Sunday, September 22, 2013 "Do Not Despise Small Beginnings"

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Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:10

Any new project has a beginning. Some people embrace it and take on the challenge with zeal, while others grumble and complain because they prefer the end result and sometimes are less patient to see through the progress. The Lord laid this scripture on my heart one day and it is one of my absolute favorites for He is pleased when we display a good attitude in all times, in all seasons, in all days because there will always be the beginnings, the middles and the endings to everything. So let's embrace whatever place we are in. If you have just started a new job, new family, new home project, new ministry and are frustrated in the newness of it, take heart and take heed to the Lord's words of wisdom in Zechariah 4:10 for let's not despise the humble beginnings on our way to something great. But instead let us embrace the moments of now, for we are not where we once were and not yet where we want to be.  To know He rejoices in us is enough for me for everything we do should be in His name, in His honor, for His glory. 

Saturday, September 21, 2013 " I am a Child of God"

Proverbs 21:30

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.

So often we watch people trying to run from God to do things their way and they end up worse off than when they began. I was told recently that I was "too strong" in my beliefs for someone to be friends with me and it was not something they were interested in so they were choosing not to converse with me any longer. I was devastated, sad, upset at myself that I blew it and lost the chance to save a soul but I came to realize that this person just wants to live their way, in their sins. I represent the Lord who is wisdom, accountability, truth and light and they want to keep their sins in the dark. I knew that instead of being sad for me, I should be sad for her for she closed the door on a person who loves them and the Lord and would have been willing to do anything, answer anything to help them better understand how wonderful our Savior is. It is then I wept for her soul for I know that I am a child of God while she remains a creation of God. There is a difference. When I came upon this verse in Proverbs it reminds me of all those that deny Him and it confirms to us all that nothing can succeed nor prosper against the Lord. Try as they might, they will fall. The enemy even knows his time reigning is fleeting so why do so many people choose to follow him? My Godly advice to anyone seeking and searching for the truth is listen to those Christians who want to bear witness to you. They may come off strong and you may want to call them a holy roller, but truth be told, they are doing what God asked us all to do...which is to spread the news about Him and we are being obedient to that command. And the even bigger truth is if they did not preach to you and lived a life like yours, you would call them a hypocrite. As for me? I love my God more and He is worth any loss. If someone cannot accept me as a child of God and respect how I live and believe, then they are better off not in my life. The day Christians begin to justify their lives by compromising, is the beginning of a steady decline so stay strong, be bold and of good cheer and remain in His will, no matter what.  Give Your Heart to Jesus. CLICK HERE!

Friday, September 20, 2013 " I Love You More!"

God you are worth it. The lost friendships, relationships, those that cannot understand my faith....you are worth it because I love You more!

Mark 10:28-31: Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

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Thursday, September 19, 2013 "My Household Serves the Lord"

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Joshua 24:15

15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household,we will serve the Lord.”

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  I love my home to be a place where people can come and rest in His spirit. So often we hear our visitors say they "feel" love and peace in our home and they leave differently then when they came and we say it is the power of our living God for His spirit dwells in our home. My husband and I pray constantly. We pray before visitors come and after they leave, asking that nothing be left behind that was brought into the house by someone. We praise His name and listen to His word. It penetrates throughout the home. We are mindful of what we watch on television for spirits can come through the tv and leave "deposits". We listen to praise and worship music. The Lord dwells here and He longs to dwell in your as well. So arm your home with His word, open bibles, gospel music, speak His Word out loud when you pray and do your devotions. Play the music throughout the house, not just in your ear. Live victorious lives and speak life not death in your home. Be mindful of all conversations in your home. We are preparing a fortress, a haven, a place of calm in our home. But more than anything, we are blessed beyond measure with His presence, His love, His peace, His wisdom, His joy..all of Him is all of us. So be the home everyone is drawn to for they will be drawing themselves closer to Him. (James 4:8) What a lovely way to be used. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013 "Let us be Like Him"

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Believe in others as God believes in you.  You may just save someone's life. Speak words that make people stronger. Do not withhold encouragement from the discouraged. Do not keep affirmation from the beaten down. Let us lift up one another and be like Our Father in heaven. Let us love, let us forgive, let us be like Him. 

³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 18:34

Tuesday, September 17, 2013 " Let no Weapon Formed Against Me Prosper"

20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him  if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[a] 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:20-21

There will be times in all of our lives where we will come face to face with evil. You can see it now on your television screens any night of the week. It is expected. But it is very hurtful when it comes from someone you know, someone you may have trusted, someone you may have confided in, someone you may have loved. The enemy often times will use those closest to you to destroy you but the Lord's Word tells us to overcome it with good, not evil. When everything in us tells us to get even, attack back, seek revenge, the Lord tells us to bless them, pray for them, be kind to them. For evil hates good and our kindness will actually be the same as burning them. We are not expected to be anyone's doormat and we are to use wisdom if we think it is best we take a step back from a relationship and/or friendship. I believe the scriptures are more so telling us not to seek revenge and allow our actions of Christ overcome their intents of evil. I pray everyday let no weapon formed against me prosper for those words are my shield and refuge and anything aimed at me will "boomerang" back to where it came. I pray for my enemies for I am a child of God and I will never be put to shame, I will never fall nor be touched by evil and revenge is the Lord's and He is a protective Father so if someone tries to hurt me deliberately or not, He is not pleased and I know I do not need to say a word, lift a finger, or react in anyway for He will take care of my enemies. So if you are facing adversity in your life and are overwhelmed with sadness or anger over people hurting you in your life, step back, hand the situation to God and simply love them and pray for them. The Lord will take care of the rest. 

Sunday, September 16, 2013 "Slow to Anger, Quick to Forgive"

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4

Let us love like Jesus.  Forgive like Jesus.  Encourage one another like Jesus. It is very easy to see the bad in someone or to criticize someone but how much more rewarding is it to look to the heart of someone and give them praise? To pray for someone who hurts you instead of harboring resentment towards them.  We must learn to forgive others who trespass against us for our own hearts, even if the person does not repent or apologize. The Lord will deal with the individual in His way, but He wants to see how we are going to react to someone. I used to be a hot headed Italian who thought nothing of telling you what I thought and walking away without a second thought but when the Lord came into my life and changed my heart, He showed me how not to be. My aloofness and stubbornness was not reflective of His character and if I was going to represent Him, I needed to change my mindset and attitude and I did. Jesus changed my heart. Now I am learning not to react, but be proactive in an uncomfortable situation. I am learning to be slow in anger and slow in my speech when my mind/mouth want to do something else. "The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." (Exodus 34:6) It is not easy, we are human, we have emotions but I have learned that emotions/feelings will lie to you therefore if we are mature in spirit and only allow ourselves to be led by the Lord then we will remain in His will when uncomfortable situations arrive. There will always be moments that arise when working with people, when relating with people, when going out in the public with people, when dealing with familial people, therefore if we learn to speak only life into our words and learn to be rich in love and rich in His peace, we will conquer the demons of anger, strife, stress, and broken down relationships. Try it. Give the person you are angry with or hurt by to Jesus and ask Him to handle the person/situation in His way and forgive them in your heart and lay them down to the Lord and walk away. You will be delivered from the chains of bondage and you will be free. He will transform your heart and mind and He will bring peace to the situation and if the person who wronged you is at fault, He will convict their heart in His way, in His timing. Let go of them and trust Him. All He wants you to do today and everyday is reflect love and be love. Amen and amen!

If You Have Never Given Your Heart to Jesus...CLICK HERE to this Video

Sunday, September 15, 2013 "Sit and Rest in Him"

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I read this in my morning devotions and I wanted to share it with you ; "The promise of God's peace is not made to those who work and struggle in their own strength but to those who sit and rest in Christ Jesus." Wait on Him, and your strength will be renewed and His peace will transcend upon you. 

Give Your Heart to Jesus Today. CLICK HERE!

Saturday, September 14, 2013 "A Time For Everything"

For everything there is a season,
    a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Just as a season is coming to an end and a new one is upon us, it makes me reflect to the different seasons we as Christians will experience.  We will live through seasons of joy and victory as well as pain and grief. We will go through our trials of testing and endurance and our peaks and valleys.  No one is exempt. When we embrace the seasons with maturity and assurance, we will endure.  Some relationships are for a season, some friendships last a lifetime while others were predestined for just a season of time. When we look at our life as the Lord's will, we can accept when people, places, and things come and go. I miss some of my old friends but I know our lives are different now and the Lord brought us into each other's life for the time we needed one another. Whether we were lonely, weak, or vulnerable, the Lord sent us those that were able to comfort us, strengthen us, and love us. I have made many mistakes with relationships over the years and I pray every day that the Lord teaches me how to appreciate and show my love for them for they may not always be in my life. It is a process, it is part of my spiritual journey with Christ. We are ever changing, ever growing, just like the seasons. It is never good as a child of God to stay in one place for too long. We should always be reaching higher limits of learning about God and evolving with Him. My husband and I served for a season in the children's ministry and we both knew we were meant for that season to have those exact kids we had. We loved them, taught them, and protected them for 2 years of time and when they were off to the next chapter of their walk, we knew it was time to move on too. We then formed our own evangelism ministry that led to a weekly bible study that is now our own home planted church. We both enrolled in Liberty University to better ourselves spiritually and to prepare ourselves for this new season. Embrace whatever season you are in, for it is shaping and molding you for your next season. Show the love of the Lord in everything you do and be joyful unto Him in all days, no matter how high or low they may be. For there will be a time for everything. 

Give Your Heart to Jesus

Friday, September 13, 2013 "No Luck, All Grace"

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For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

Today is a Friday and the day happens to be a "13" so there are all kinds of beliefs that today is an evil day, doomsday and/or day of bad luck.  But a child of God calls it another day for there is no such thing as luck. God granted us His free gift of grace and He has predestined all of our days so there is no room for "luck" or "coincidences" or "happenings by chance".  What an absolute lie from the enemy to distract you from your loving Father who knew you before He even formed you in your mother's womb. (Jeremiah 1:5) Your Father, Who has created you with value and purpose to do great and mighty things for His glory and honor. Coincidences are divine appointments. Luck is His will destined for you. Happenings by chance are His divine interventions. Don't believe the lies, believe in the One truth...that the Lord is God, Creator of all things. Omnipotent and all sovereign. No need to be wished or offer a "good luck" sentiment but instead offer some "blessings". Next time someone comments on something don't say, "I know I am lucky" say, "Thank you I know I am blessed". Every word out of our mouth should be on to Him and giving His praise and glory. The Christian needs to remove the word luck from their vocabulary, erase it from their mind for it is a falsity and replace it with biblical words. We are a living testimony for God and we must be accountable for our words so be very aware of what you say , how you think, and how you conduct yourself. And represent Him as the one and only for He is the Maker of all. Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Thursday, September 12, 2013 "Let God Lead"

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 2:12

Let God lead you.  Let Him guide your life and all your decisions.  He has ordained a life for you and for me that will be fulfilled according to His will if we simply will submit ourselves to Him, listen to His voice and obey His commands. Sound so easy yet it is so difficult. So let us pray for the strength to trust God more today. Let us mediate on how much He loves us.  He is the Creator of all things and He is our Abba Father. So let us exalt His holy name and praise Him for all He has done and will continue to do. Let us proclaim Him today and honor Him with our hope and faith in Him. 

Give Your Heart to JESUS. CLICK HERE!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 "Let Us Overcome Evil with Good"

^{Give Your Heart to Jesus. CLICK HERE!}

²¹ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21

Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice in Him always. We can choose to be grateful for all we have or we can choose to grumble and complain.  It is our choice.  The Lord allows us free will to make our own choice and although He grieves, He will allow us to do so.  Life will always have bumps so we should prepare and expect them.  How we handle such adversity is vital to strengthening our walk. I know someone who is battling for her life and her attitude is of such bravery and faith.  She does not pity herself, is not angry nor bitter but accepting of this life challenge and is trusting in the Lord to heal her and see her through. And I stand with her in faith for the Lord answers the prayers of the righteous.  Let's walk and talk in victory. Let us speak life into our words and into each other. Let's encourage, praise, and uplift one another. We can all find fault in someone or something so let's be like Jesus and let us love. Let us rejoice in this gift called life.  Let us give thanks for this is the day He has made. (Psalm 118:24) As we reflect on this horrific day twelve years ago, we are reminded of the evil that surrounds this world so let us overcome evil with God's goodness. Be the light that shines so bright no one can deny Christ in you. 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013 "He Hears My Voice"

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And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

1 John 5:14-15 

Pray for one another. Pray for your spouse, children, best friend, pastor, boss, co-workers, and most importantly your enemies.  Prayer is our way of communicating with our Lord. He loves when we come to Him with all our petitions, thanksgiving and praises of joy. He forgives us when we ask and He comforts us when we are in need. He is the easiest person you will ever be able to talk to. Nothing should be off limits to God. The closer you draw yourself to Him, the closer He will come to you and who would not want that? When life gets too hard, KNEEL AND PRAYER. He answers us yes, no, or not now so we can pray in boldness and assurance because He will answer our prayer. Am I the only one who is grateful to the simple fact that He hears my voice? That is an amazing amazing gift for sin separates us from Him. When we sin a veil is formed which makes it harder for Him to see us but when we repent of our sins and accept the Lord as our Savior and we live in accordance to His will for our lives, the veil is lifted. So we must truly cherish the relationship we have with our Almighty Father. He forgives us, He loves us, He cares for us, He hears us, He comforts us, He protects us, and He redeems us.  What a mighty God we serve.

Monday, September 9, 2013 "Why Do You Worry?"

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"Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31-34

Why do you worry so?  Anxiety will not add anything to the situation.  "And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span? (Matthew 6:27) Our bodies were not meant for stress and that is why we can make ourselves sick by it.  The Lord reassures us that His love is enough.  That He cares for us and all He wants is for us to place all of our trust in Him. By doing so we will strengthen in our faith.  Hope is all we need. God did not send His only Son to die on the cross if He was not going to care for us and make a difference in this world.  Through His death, burial and Resurrection, we get to live. His death has given us the freedom to overcome all things through Him. His Word must empower us, lift us, and encourage us. Our circumstances will only remind us of this world and our troubles in it. Therefore we are not to be afraid but instead we are told, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee." (Psalm 56:3)  So today just take refuge in Him and rest in His love. 

Sunday, September 8, 2013 "Is Money Your god?"

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Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 

1 Timothy 6:18

Do you feel trapped?  Do you owe so much money that you are working more hours than you want to because you are trying to keep up with your bills?  Are you living beyond your means? Do you own so much stuff that you have to work 2-3 jobs just to pay for them? For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10) Money is not evil; in fact it is one of many blessings from God. And nothing from God is evil; only pure things. There is nothing wrong with money, it is just a commodity but when it becomes our god and we fall in love with it, then it is a problem. When we sacrifice our family to make more money, we are in love with money. If we are stealing money, if we married someone for money, if we are willing to compromise for money, if we cheat on our income tax for money, then we are in love with money. It is what leads many people to walk away from God because stuff and wealth become a higher priority. Some want more, newer, bigger, shinier and it is never enough. I do not believe people that are rich are  walking out of the will of God nor is it a sin. I know that God blesses many of His children in order for us bless others. He never said it was wrong. He simply says if we are rich, don't be ashamed of it and don't put our hope in it. Keep our hope in Him because He will never fail us. Don't let your income dictate your lifestyle. (the more you make, the more you buy) Don't let your wealth define who you are. We are created in the image of God to glorify Him in all we do. So put all your hope in Christ Jesus and if you are blessed with more, than give more, share more. Much given, much required. (Luke 12:48) Take it from someone who had much and lost much because of poor choices and acquiring too much. I never stole for my success, in fact I did something far worse, I sacrificed my relationship with God for it but I am so grateful He showed me, forgave me and allowed me to change my ways. Today I am free from this world, free from the hold money and my possessions had on me. And I am free to dedicate the rest of my life to Him and His work. He did an amazing thing in my life and He can do that for you too. Stop the endless cycle and get off the merry go round of consumerism and debt and ask the Lord to free you from it all and He will. I pray these words penetrate your heart and give you the strength to make the necessary changes you need to make today. Be not afraid, He is with you and He is worth it.

Saturday, September 7, 2013 'Rest in Him"

Rest in Him today.  Embrace your faith and your abundant life. "Serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you."

(1 Samuel 12:24)

Friday, September 6, 2013 "Ask, Seek, Knock"

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"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

Ask and it will be given, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. My favorite scripture as a little girl. The Lord truly is faithful to those that seek Him, honor Him and obey Him.  Our lives were predestined for His glory and purpose and when we live in His perfect will for our lives, He is pleased. Obedience=freedom=peace=joy=love. One blessing creates a new blessing and suddenly everything you do is glorifying God and before you know it, you are living a victorious life, free from all condemnation and your life has become victorious. Does that not sound like an amazing promise? I come to you in love when I say God keeps His promises and He will do exceedingly abundantly in your life. So I pray this is the day you say no to the world and yes to Jesus. 

Ephesians 3:20-21

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Thursday, September 5, 2013 "Desire God"

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But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Be grateful for God's appointment on your life. My husband is going to college studying theology and church ministries and his professors always teach that the most important lesson in doing life as a Christian is having a deep growing relationship with the Lord. Being in love with the Lord is how we stay powered up to be on mission for God. When we focus on Jesus and how much He loves us it gives us so much joy and it helps us to remember the joy of the Lord is our strength.(Nehemiah 8:10)So I would encourage you each and everyday to be grateful to the Lord for all He is doing in your life and be steadfast in your developing relationship with Him. Desire God more and more in every aspect of your life, seek His guidance and expertise on everything. If God was so interested in your eternal salvation that He became a man in the person of Jesus Christ and went to the cross to die in your place for your sins then it's pretty safe to say you can trust Him with everything else that's going on in your life.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013 "Closed Doors"

Tuesday, September 3, 2013 "God is Worth It"

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Romans 8:28-29

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a]have been called according to his purpose.

What God intends for your good no man will be able to stop.  People are used every day by the enemy to distract, discourage and destroy God's children. The more you are working for the kingdom of God, the harder and more pressing the attacks.  It can be very very disheartening and draining. But we must rest in Him by reading His Word and knowing it in our hearts. Memorizing His words so when you feel an attack you are prepared and armed. The enemy does not know what to do with our peace so when he strikes for a reaction and we do not give him one, he will not stick around. We must rebuke his presence for his presence is very real and so are his demons who study and watch us to learn our ways in order to use them later against us. It is extremely important that we know this battle is going on all around us and not hide our heads in the sand. As strange as it is, I find comfort in the moments of attack because I know something great is planned for my life and he does not want me to reach it. My marriage was attacked from the moment we said our I Do's and we know it was to get us to give up on each other because he knew God called us to His ministry to do His work and he came to destroy our union for he foreknew we were going to do great things for God for His glory. When your church is attacked, your relationships, your friendships, your work, your ministry, or those around you...recognize what it is, do not react for he is looking for that but instead be proactive and rejoice in the Lord, pray yourself through your trial and never give up. I read when we are serving God in an area and are experiencing a lot of adversity, it means we are making a difference in the kingdom of God and the enemy is threatened by us. Now when we look at it from that point of view, doesn't it empower you? Good! It should for you hold all power over satan and his helpers. You are a righteous child of God who holds all authority. So don't fear it, embrace it and be bold because you are making a difference for God. Believe me, if you are not facing any challenges or tests in your work for God, I would question if you are serving where He wants you, are you in the right area? Ask Him and He will reveal it to you. We must never get complacent in our walk for God. And don't get mad at the person he is using against you, but pray for them for they do not know what they do. Just love and remain strong in Him and you will overcome and receive wondrous blessings on your life. God is worth it!

Monday, September 2, 2013 "Prayer Works"

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"Pray without ceasing," 1 Thessalonians 5:17 

Prayer works. It is a direct line to God and He hears the prayers of His children. God answers our prayers one of three way... YES, NO, and NOT NOW.  When our hearts are in the right place and we truly are living in the Lord's obedience, it is easier to wait upon the Lord for our answer.  When we pray for His will to be done in our life, our prayers will always be answered.  When we grow in spirit and mature in our faith, we gain the wisdom to accept however the Lord answers us.  Just know God loves you, He hears you and He knows what is best for you and for me. Sometimes we may not know the reason behind it, but we should just trust Him. So for now, pray with love and expectancy. Thank Him for answering your prayers. Praise Him in your prayers and offer of yourself in your prayers. Then be still and know that He is God. 

Psalm 46:10

¹⁰ 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

    I will be exalted among the nations,

    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Sunday, September 1, 2013 "The Bag of Rocks"

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Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

The bag of rocks you keep giving to Jesus and taking back is going to get heavier and heavier if you choose to carry the burden yourself. The Lord tells us all who are weary to go to Him and rest. He also tells us to cast all our cares unto Him. There is absolutely no need for us to carry the worries of our life on our own backs. I know it is hard and I had a scare earlier this week where my husband had to keep reminding me that God was in control. And I have witnessed so much in my life for me to know better, yet I was still anxious and I have to say it was a horrible feeling. I was not at peace and I walking around all nervous. I am grateful the Lord touched my heart to comfort me and He gave me His peace to the situation and I let go and let Him. That is all He wants us to do....let go and trust Him. To some it may seem lazy or cowardly, but to the Lord...it is the most honorable thing we can do for we are showing Him that we have faith in His ability and in His word above our own. When we choose to hold on to things it tells God we think we can handle it better than He. I know it sounds silly but that is the message we send. If you have burdens and are heavy laden with stress or worry...may this be the day you lay it all down at His feet and rest in Him and His wonderful promise to us.."Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30