Tuesday, December 31, 2013 "Rejoice"

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Time to reflect on all the Lord has done in our life this past year. We are to spend this day rejoicing and praising His name. Praise Him for all He blessed you with and all He protected you from. Count your blessings. Spend your day with a grateful heart and above all else, share His name with someone today. If you have never witnessed to someone who does not believe in Jesus, I challenge you today, this last day of 2013, to go out and share the gospel. I am posting a quick two minute video my husband did explaining what salvation is and how easy it is to lead someone in prayer. So make this year really count by earning a jewel in your crown. Amen and have a blessed new year. Prayer of Salvation

Monday, December 30, 2013 "Seek His Wisdom"

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

The Lord will bring clarity to a situation in your life that you are struggling with if you simply ask Him.  He will reveal the hearts of man to you and from it, you will be strengthened in your faith and belief in Him.  We must love others but trust God. Our true faith and trust needs to be in God Almighty.  He will send people to you for comfort and for truth but there will be times people will come around with ill intent. We must seek His wisdom, revelation and knowledge to know the difference. Use caution ... take a new friendship or relationship slow. Everything seems bright, shiny and perfect in the beginning.  We sometimes take others at face value because we assume they are like us but that is a naive way of thinking. Be on guard. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 We must seek His will and ask that He choose our circle of friends. And it is wise to ask Him to remove those out of our life that do not belong and to send those that do. And then wait upon Him. So exciting. 

Sunday, December 29, 2013 "Words of Wisdom"

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,

But he who restrains his lips is wise.

20 

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;

The heart of the wicked is worth little.

21 

The lips of the righteous feed many,

But fools die for lack of wisdom. Proverbs 10:19-21

Saturday, December 28, 2013 "You Cannot Afford NOT to Tithe"

We cannot out give God. We are to give out of our sacrifice, not out of our excess. The Bible tells us the Lord was more pleased with the poor widow and her offering than the rich man.  What we give is relative to our circumstances.  The more we make, the more we are to give.  Much given, much required.  The Bible promises us to test Him on our tithes and offerings and see if He does not pour out in abundance from Heaven so much that we are unable to contain it all. I pray every day to have my finances restored to what they used to be so that we can further the kingdom of God. So that we can build our message, promote our church, advance the Word of God around the globe, not just locally and be able to bless those in need. I know the Lord will answer my prayer for we are good and faithful stewards of His blessings. We have given up and sold our possessions to follow and serve Him and we know we are honored every day for it. Are you giving back to the Lord consistently? Are you sowing into the Kingdom of God? Are you honoring His Word to tithe on your first fruits or does He receive what is left, if any at all? I learned the hard way that when we disobey this command the money will be spent one way or another. Whether it be your car breaks down and causes you added expenses, your house needs repairs, your hours at work are cut or worse..the Lord will get your attention one way or the other so I encourage you to heed this message and begin immediately. Most people say, "I cannot afford to tithe" and I say, "You cannot afford not to" for the wages of sin are death. Your commitment to the Lord will seal you, protect you and bestow favor upon you. Trust Him on this. 
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

Friday, December 27, 2013 "Being a Child of God"

Our word and our commitment to another is very important to the Lord. What we say must be in line with what we do.  If we promise to help someone, then we are to help them. No excuses, no cancellations.  We must be aware as Christians that others watch and listen to us very carefully. For some reason we have a target on our back because many non believers need to prove themselves right and us wrong. The truth is as my husband taught me, our Lord and Savior has been involved in three major historical events that have been proven fact. Noah's ark, Moses and the resurrection of Christ.  Therefore we must simply keep our eye on the one true God and His ways and not be distracted by anyone or anything. We are called to be living images of Him and His ways. We are to glorify Him in all we say and all we do, in every opportunity we can. How do we do that? By our actions. Let us live holy, speak holy and be holy and watch others pay attention. "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God... The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Romans 8:14-16

Thursday, December 26, 2013 "Fellowship"

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

Wednesday, Christmas Day 2013 "Jude 1:2"

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

 Jude 1:2

Tuesday, December 24, 2013 "Let us Adore Him, not Ignore Him"

Christmas is about God. Christmas is about love. 

Christmas is about family. Christmas is about forgiveness. Christmas is about CHRIST. 

So let us come and adore Him this holiday season 

not ignore Him.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

1 John 4:8

Monday, December 23, 2013 "A God Centered Life"

When all else fails, God is still on the throne.  He is perfect.  He is all you will need.  Life is hard and I cannot imagine anyone going through this life alone without His guidance and wisdom.  A life with Jesus is not easier, in fact in some ways it is harder but nothing is more rewarding than a God centered life.  He promises to be with you all the way, never leaving your side. He will carry you when things are too much to bear and He will comfort you like no one else can. You are never alone and you need not be afraid when He is in your heart. So trust Him and allow Him to be your rock eternal. When He is in the center of your life, everything else will come together. And I urge you to read Romans, chapter 12 as a gift to yourself. Here is a portion....Romans 12:^1-2 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Sunday, December 22, 2013 "Don't"

If you are thinking about giving up

....DON'T.

Saturday, December 21, 2013 "God is..."

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

There needs to be more JESUS and less US.  This world is so self absorbed with all the latest social media forums from Facebook self portraits and endless bragging to typing every move on Twitter. We are absorbed with instant gratification and self gratification.  We are losing the meaning of God which is to place others before ourselves. To seek and save the lost, help those in need, and love others more than ourselves. God is love. "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8 God is compassion. God is empathy. God is mercy. God is grace. God is giving. God is holy. God is selfless. Let us be more like God and less like the world. Let us turn to His Word for truth, not the internet. And above all else, let us show Christ in US. Not just during the holiday season but in all seasons.  

Friday, December 20, 2013 "Prayer Works"

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

    on earth as it is in heaven.

 

Give us today our daily bread.

 

And forgive us our debts,

    as we also have forgiven our debtors.

 

And lead us not into temptation,[a]

    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:9-15

  There is power in prayer.  Whether you pray specifically or simply call out to God in two words; help me, He is there.  I have seen in my own life the importance of a steady prayer life for it is how we speak with God.  I cry out to Him everyday. I take everything to Him. From the simplest things to the most pressing for He is a part of my whole life. Never believe the lie that you should only go to Him with the real important matters. He wants you to bring it all to Him for He longs to be a part of you. I ask Him to bless my day, protect my home and family. I lift up those in need and some times I simply thank Him and rejoice in Him. I praise Him for all He has done and all He will continue to do in my life. Every relationship requires steady and consistent communication otherwise it will never grow and strengthen. Our relationship with Christ should be treated the same way. We need to be open, consistent and faithful in our walk and in our prayer life. So go to Him and make your petitions known. Prayer Works!

Thursday, December 19, 2013 "There is a Season"

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing." 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 "He is More than the Reason for a Season"

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

Let us focus on less on us and more on Him.  Whenever we take our eyes off our own selves and situations and keep our eyes on Him and all He has done, the darkness fades and the light shines brighter.  For there is hope in Christ Jesus and anything less is nil. " He is the way, the truth and the life." (John 14:6) Let us always be a reminder to others and to our own hearts that He is all we need. He is not a once a year event that we should shed light on only in December, He is present 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. He is more than the reason for a season, He is the reason for every season. 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013 "Never Lose Hope"

Why are you cast down, O my soul,

    and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

    my salvation^[c] 6 and my God. Psalm 42:5-6

Be anxious for nothing and trust in your Father in heaven.  He will never leave you nor forsake you so if you feel as though you are all alone in this life, know He is with you until the end.  Man will come and go but the Lord remains forever.  Don't question where is God during this trial of yours and do not lose your faith.  It is natural to grow angry at God when you are not "seeing" results or any "changes" but He is always working on your behalf and we must trust Him and pray ourselves through this.  The attitude we carry while we are in the pit of life will determine how swiftly we move to the palace so hope in God and praise His holy name and praise all He is and will continue to be in your life. And never lose hope!

Monday, December 16, 2013 "How to Be"

I am grateful to the kindness of some and I am saddened by the behavior of others.  Let us rise above it all and be who God asked us to be ... compassionate, kind, empathetic, loving and benevolent. Show others how to be. 

Sunday, December 15, 2013 "I Will Not Compromise"

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Do let others define you based on their standards.  There is too much judging, competing and comparing in the church body.  We are to come together as one, not as groups, divisions, or denominations.  How sad it is when we have a pope declaring that all will enter the kingdom of heaven, including those that denounce God. Interesting. So much conflict, controversy, confusion.  I will not allow anyone else to define my relationship with Jesus or allow somehow to defile it.  If you think I am too vocal with my faith, then  tune me out.  If you think my church is too small for you, then don't attend.  If we are too into God, then don't come to our home. We must love God more.  We cannot compromise our faith, dummy down our conversation or water down His message in order to fit in.  A wise woman of God told me it is wiser to usher those out of our life with love and a prayer and keep moving forward than to compromise.  Do not let another stop you from what you were called to do.  Let your life be a walking and living testimony for all God has done for you.  And never give up for you will reap what you sow for the kingdom of God. 

Saturday, December 14, 2013 "It Will Come"

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3

Friday, December 13, 2013 "Set Apart as Holy"

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21

The Lord will always be working on us as we grow in Him.  Our relationship with God is ever changing as it matures.  This is called sanctification. Sanctification is the act or process of acquiring sanctity, of being made or becoming holy.  The Lord sets us apart from this world.  When we dedicate our lives to Jesus and we choose to live for Him and His ways, He will begin to "chisel" away at you.  He is the potter and we are the clay and He will mold us and make us in His image and this is what we should pray and hope for.  If we suffer from guilt, depression, gossip, anger, lust, doubt, negativity, you name it....He will begin to deal with each area in you.  It is as if we are placed in the fire and He is allowing our old self to die in the fire and become nothing more than ashes in order for Him to create a new person in His image with value and purpose. Does it make sense to you?  Do you see it? Are you experiencing it in your own walk?  It is not always pleasant and it can be painful but allow Him to complete His work in you for it is far worth any life you are living in now.  So trust in Him, surrender your life to him completely and sincerely and allow His will for you, in every area of your life and I promise you, you will be forever changed and anew. 

Thursday, December 12, 2013 "Seek and Save the Lost"

 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Let us be mindful of others this time of year.  Christmas is the season of Christ and celebrating His birth and when you know that, He is enough.  The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35) But there are those that do not know of His love and do not share a personal relationship with Him therefore they only know sadness and loneliness this time of the year. Their despair is all they feel. Make sure your neighbor, friend, co-worker has a place to be during the holidays. Open your home up to others that need to see and know God is real and that His love is abounding. Show others Christ's love through you.  We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, His representatives, evangelists and there is no better time than right now for you to step out and be bold in your faith.  I am so grateful to our church for it is such an amazing opportunity and platform for us to meet others less fortunate. We are able to love them, invite them to a home cooked meal and church and it is such a blessing to us. It is important we do not look inward and only care of our own. There is no room for selfishness in the kingdom of God, only selflessness. I challenge you to invite someone to your church, to your home, do something for another. Go out of your comfort zone and allow the Spirit of the Lord to lead you. You will be tremendously grateful you did. And may the Spirit of the Lord be upon you today. I will lift you up in prayer. And please share your testimonies with me, I would love to hear from you.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013 "God's Favor"

 For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.  Psalm 5:12

The Lord's favor is upon our life when we truly submit our hearts and lives to Him.  When we live in His will and obey His Word, He is pleased and bestows His blessings upon us.  His Word tells us that He blesses the righteous and covers them with favor.  I call upon the name of Jesus in every aspect of my life and I call upon His favor on my life.  I ask Him to bless us in every way. Whether I am in the car, on the phone paying a bill, shopping, where ever I am, whatever I am doing, I ask for His shield of favor on my life and the life of my husband.  And so should you.  We are called to live a life of abundance and joy, not of poverty and sorrow. Glorify the Lord by living a victorious life and may you be granted His enormous favor on your life so that you can share with others His gift of love. His love is worthy of sharing. 

ODPC: Give Thanks

Tuesday, December 10, 2013 "My Constant Companion"

But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. John 14:26

I am exceedingly grateful to the One Who never will leave me.  My constant Companion, the Holy Spirit. As I contemplate friendships in my life and how this year has been, I see how people have come and gone out of my life. It saddens me and the loss has been on my heart. Today I received this writing from Charles Stanley asking if there was someone on my mind today. And it confirmed exactly how I am feeling. I miss my Mom and I miss the presence of my family. I miss people I have lost touch with and I pray for reconciliation and restoration with others. So as my Lord is reminding me He will be with me through it all, He wants me to remind you too. So let us turn our thoughts to all the Holy Spirit has done in our life and all that is possible in the year to come. And may He continue to bless you and me with His grace, peace, joy, love, mercy, wisdom and truth. 

Monday, December 9, 2013 "To Not Forgive is Not a Choice"

 "...Forgive, and you will be forgiven."  Luke 6:37

To not forgive someone is not a choice in the life of a believer.  We must forgive in our hearts as He first forgave us.  We can not control the other person.  If they choose to either not accept your forgiveness or if they choose to hold a grudge, you must pray for them and let them go.  We must not react for we are responsible for the posture of our heart, not the hearts of others.  If there is someone you have yet to forgive, do it today. For we must love unconditionally and we are to accept another's forgiveness without conditions.  It will free you and bless you.  And if there is someone who is not willing to let something go, then you must pray for them, surrender them to the Lord and usher them out of your life with grace. God is love therefore let us glorify Him in all we say and do. 

Matthew 18:21-27  Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. "The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go."

Sunday, December 8, 2013 "Every Day"

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in it.  We need to wake up every single day with a heart of thanksgiving. For every day is a precious gift from God and we need to be thankful for every moment He blesses us with.  Give each day to Him when you wake up and ask that He ordain your walk and ask that he place those in your path that need His light.  We are passing through this life on our way to eternal life with Him in heaven so let's make this one count.  Let us be grateful, holy and true to His image and Word.  Let us exemplify Him and exalt Him high above all else.  And let us do this today and every day. 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

Saturday, December 7, 2013 "He is Worth the Wait"

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

The Lord works in His own way, in His own timing, in His own order.  His divine intercession should be expected and welcomed.  The problem mainly believers struggle with is patience, perseverance, and the lack of control.  The day we surrendered our lives to Christ was the day we gave up control. True conversion includes obedience to His word.  Just know the Lord loves you so much and hears your cries.  He knows your hurts, desires, needs and wants and His Word tells us He will grant us our heart's desires if we delight ourselves in Him. His Word also tells us what He plans is far greater than what we could ever imagine, so we simply must trust, then wait upon Him and know that His plan for our lives is worth the wait. 

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Friday, December 6, 2013 "We Are Not Ruled by this World"

If the Lord is for us, then who can be against us?  Romans 8:31 tells us we are conquerors in Christ.  We cannot allow the world to get us down nor hold us down.  We are not to be ruled by the world's standard for most of the world is not in the will of God. We believers know there is a Lord of Lords whose Word guides us through life according to His truth and commands.  Our measure of living is based on the Bible not the newspaper or television.  Paul Crouch, the founder of TBN, died earlier this week and there was barely a mention on his death on the national news.  He created the first Christian television network that went on to produce and broadcast more faith based television shows than any other network. There was more coverage on an actor's tragic death this week and you have to stop and acknowledge that there is something wrong with that. It cannot be denied. We simply must pray that all men reconcile with the Lord. That their eyes are open, their ears are open and their hearts are open to their Maker and Creator in heaven. For He is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6

Thursday, December 5, 2013 "Keeping CHRIST in Christmas"

This time of year everyone is getting into the spirit of Christmas.  They are extra friendly, kind, thoughtful and generous and happy.  People celebrate with parties, gift wrapping, traveling to visit long lost family and friends.  But do they all know the true meaning of Christmas?  What the season actually represents?  Is it all about the lights and the man in the funny red suit or is something more?  The truth is there would be no Christmas without our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this is the time of year we celebrate our Savior's birth.  Jesus' birthday. So let's say no to "happy holidays" and yes to Merry Christmas for without Christ there would be no Christmas. 

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 "Eyes of Faith"

All it takes to see a miracle are eyes of faith.  

Faith is... knowing that the Lord can do anything and everything. Right now my husband and I are believing together in prayer for a miracle and we know it can be done if it is aligned with His will for our lives.  If it is His desire to bless us in this way, than there is nothing that man can do.  For we believe in redemption and restoration in all the lives of God's children for He will right any wrong done against us.  Therefore we will trust and believe in our Almighty Father who was and is to come.  Believe in your miracle today!

"While you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 "My Prayer for You"

Peace. Love. Joy. Strength. Faith. 

Trust. Fellowship. Thankful. Grateful. Blessed. 

Assurance. No fear. Favored.

These are all the things my relationship with Jesus brings me.  I am blessed and highly favored and am at rest and peace.  My prayer for you is the same.  May you know how much our good Lord loves you and may His love draw you near.  May your heart be open to His love and truth and may you receive His wonderful gift of grace.  

Monday, December 2, 2013 "Open Letter to the Unbeliever"

The Lord is my rock eternal (Isaiah 26:4) and He is Who I choose to follow all of my days.  You can argue, you can debate, you can mock but the fact remains Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection is an historical event and His existence here on earth was real and His presence in our hearts today is real.  His book is all His truth and it is the believer's life line.  For those that continue to deny His existence, I say to you this....what happens when you die and you realize you were wrong? There are no second chances, no do overs, no purgatory sentences. There is Heaven and there is hell. Hell is the place of torment for the lost (unsaved). Because everyone has sinned no one deserves to live with the Holy and righteous Heavenly Father (Romans 3:10; 3:23). But God is a loving Father and He offers salvation from death to all, and for those that reject the offer, God’s justice will be executed and the wage of sin will be paid in Hell.

Your choice today will determine your future forever. 

Prayer of Salvation

Sunday, December 1, 2013 "He is Creator of All"

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

We are saved by God's free gift of grace and He is the Creator of all man.  So whether you choose to believe in the Creator or just His "creation", the fact remains that your life is a gift from God above.  You did not evolve from an ape nor are your ancestors dinosaurs.  Go to the Book that speaks truth and not fiction.  If you are unsure of what to believe, search your heart and ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you and He will. And may you hear His voice and answer His call for your life. I lift you up in His name. 

Prayer of Salvation Video

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30