Sunday, March 30, 2014 "God's Gift of Grace"

 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

In all things I will rejoice. I will rejoice in my trials. I will praise His holy name in the valley and in the peak. I give glory to God's grace and unmerited favor in my life. I have done nothing to deserve the pure love He bestows upon me. I am nothing without Him. For those that think they can earn their way into His good graces and into the Kingdom of glory, I say, "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

Saturday, March 29, 2014 His Will Not Mine"

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

The very things we think the Lord is depriving us from may in fact be the very things He is protecting us from. The Lord has come so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) If you are not being blessed in an area you are praying for perhaps it is not what God has in store for you. We need to stop staring at the closed door and instead turn around and walk towards the new one the Lord has so wonderfully opened for us. God sees outside the line of time. He sees the beginning, the middle, and the end. He knows the whole picture and when we lose hope we need to focus on the love God has for us and we need to know our life is in His precious hands. There is no other place I would rather be than in His loving safe arms. 

Friday, March 28, 2014 "Go Boldly to the Throne"

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20

When you tell someone you are going to pray for them, do you? Or do you forget? Do you ever just pray with them on the spot, right where they are? It is important that we do in fact pray for one another. God is love and He is moved by prayer so when two or more agree on earth about anything that they may ask, the Bible tells us " it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 18:19) That is an amazing and very powerful promise by God. Call upon 

Him today. Pray for your family. Pray for your friends. Lift up your enemies to Him. And pray for your needs too. Go boldly to the throne. Amen!!

"Prayer is simply conversation with God. It doesn't need to be long, loud or fancy. What's important is the sincerity of our heart and the confidence that God hears and will answer us. We must develop the confidence that even if we simply say, "God help me," He hears and will answer."-Joyce Meyer

Thursday, March 27, 2014 "No Jesus No Peace, Know Jesus Know Peace

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

When the stresses of the day are beginning to wear you down, go to a quiet place and be still. Be alone with Him. Pray and ask the Lord to fill you up with His love and grace. Ask for His mercy on your life and ask the Holy Spirit to comfort you. You will feel refreshed and renewed. You will feel His presence and His peace. I always loved my bumper sticker from back in the day; NO JESUS, NO PEACE, KNOW JESUS, KNOW PEACE. He wants you to draw close to Him today. Everything is going to be okay for it is in His hands. 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014 "Obedience"

“If you love me, keep my commands." John 14:15

Obedience is an extremely important part of our walk with the Lord. When He speaks, we are to listen and obey. Not just listen and take His Word into consideration. To take advantage of His free will and grace is playing with fire. You will get burned. Trust me, I have been there. I have tested my precious Father one too many times and just when you trick yourself into thinking you won, He lets you know," Not so fast." He grieves when we disobey and He also punishes. Charles Stanley said one of the most profound things that I now live my life by. He said, "God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him." That is an amazing and comforting promise. So when the enemy tries to tempt me to do it on my own, I meditate on His this truth and it truly helps me. It makes me desire to obey His Word and will. Do you struggle with wanting things now? Is it hard to obey at all times? The next time you are tempted to disobey, ask yourself this one question. What on earth could I possibly achieve on my own that would be bigger or better than anything Jesus could ever do? When you come to this truth you will be delivered from disobedience and you will discover His freedom and His love in a deeper way. Trust Him Today! 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014 "Pray"

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

Pray often. Pray specifically. Pray boldly. Pray with expectancy. Pray without ceasing. Pray for others. Pray for healing. Pray for financial blessings. Pray for deliverance. Pray for another person's salvation. Pray for your family. Make your petitions known to the Lord for He loves when we go boldly to His throne. Then have the faith to know your prayers will be answered. 

And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:21-22

Monday, March 24, 2014 "Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus"

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

My God is able.  I have learned to pray bigger. I look to Him for all my needs. I do not rely on this world to provide for me.  When I hear someone tell me what I need is impossible, I know "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26) Do not let the happenings of this world or those around you hold you down. Our God is bigger than any circumstance you or I could ever face. Look to Him through your supernatural eyes of faith. Stay strong in your beliefs and look to Him when you feel weak. All it takes to see a miracle of the eyes of faith. If what you are asking for is of God and in His will for your life, than you will receive it. Just wait and believe and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!

Sunday, March 23, 2014 "In All We Do"

 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved." 1 Corinthians 31-33

Let us give God the glory in all we do. And in all we do, let us do it in His name, not our own. In all we do, let us put God first. And in all we do, let us praise His holy name. And in all we do let us love others as God first loved us. 

Saturday, March 22, 2014 "He is all that Matters"

Do not let your heart envy sinners,

    but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

18 

There is surely a future hope for you,

    and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18

My faith and hope is in the Lord. I look to Him for my strength and for my love. Never look to another person's life with an envious heart if they appear to "have it all". Do not envy their possessions, their looks, their careers or relationships. We are nothing without Christ. All things come from God Almighty above and with Him we are complete and we are whole. On my death bed it is not my home, my wallet, my car nor my job that will matter. Only my relationship with Jesus Christ. Live your life for Him. Live your life to glorify Him. And live your life to share Him with others. 

Friday, March 21, 2014 "A Life Changing Prayer"

Pray without ceasing as you ask the Lord for spiritual wisdom so you can be drawn nearer to Him. May your relationship with the Lord be the most important thing you seek. Ask Him to fill you with the knowledge of His will so your walk is worthy of Him. Let us look to please Him and stop trying to please ourselves and man. May we bear fruit in every work and may the knowledge of God strengthen us each day. I ask that we continue to trust with perseverance and patience and may we continue to joyfully serve and exalt our Lord on high. Colossians 1:9-12

Thursday, March 20, 2014 Psalm 118:26

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. Psalm 118:26

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 "The Battle is the Lord's"

 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. 20 For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. James 1:19-20

As a Christian woman I must be protective at all times of my testimony. Too often we are tempted by others that try to discount our genuineness and as frustrating as that can be, we must guard our tongue and be slow to speak. Anger has no place in the Kingdom of God. The Lord's Word tells us that the battle is His (1 Samuel 17:47) and vengeance is His (Romans 12:19). As a child of God we can stand on that promise. Allow the Lord to handle your enemies. We are called to love them and pray for them for they do not know what they do. Anytime someone tries to create division and dissension among people they are of the evil one. The Lord is peace (Matthew 5:9). So do not fall into the traps of the world. Be filled with the Spirit and focus on God's love for you. Trust He will take care of you and ask for His abundance of grace and mercy. And then simply be still. 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 "I Know"

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

That has to be one of the most powerful and encouraging scriptures for me. Even though I am very strong in my faith and I know the Lord is real and He is with me, I get scared. The not knowing can be very stressful. I plead to the Lord for some mercy so I can continue waiting upon Him without growing weary. It helps to be reminded that the Lord has me in the palm of His hand or as someone said, "His arms are around me". We may not know why things are happening or why He has us waiting so long for our answer but I know He hears our cries and I know He knows our hearts. Therefore we must be still and remain in His will until He reveals to us His desires for us. What choice do we have? The alternative is not the way to go. We must declare Jeremiah 29:11 on our lives and declare victory on our lives. I know it is easier said then done but we must take each day as it comes with joy and expectation. Keeping this promise in our hearts all the way;"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20

Monday, March 17, 2014 "With the Humble is Wisdom"

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." Proverbs 11:2

It is not always easy to be humble but the Lord will bring us to our knees if our pride becomes an issue. Too often people think they can do things in their own strength and will and they are sadly misled. There are no coincidences in the Kingdom of God. There is no luck when we are predestined by Him. We must give God all the glory and all the praise. We must never ever think we are the ones that deserve the "credit". I urge you to give this very serious condition to the Lord if you suffer with pride issues. If you take this posture in any form please meditate on Galatians 6:3 that says, "For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." We are nothing without God. 

Sunday, March 16, 2014 "The One Sheep"

 "And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good." 

2 Thessalonians 3:13

This was the word the Lord gave us in church and it filled my heart up with gladness. We are to serve Him with a joyful heart and not give up. It is not about us, it is not about recognition, praise or accolades. It is about Christ and His lost sheep. I must admit I get weighed down with sadness when I speak with others about their troubles and woes and it is hard to shake off. I go to the Lord and I cast out what is not of Him off the lives of these precious people and I ask for His hedge of protection over their lives. And it gets hard. There are days I don't want it. But the good Lord tells us never tire. We may rest. But we may never give up. There is no retirement in doing business for God. We are not to sit idle and say, "well I have done this and I have done that". Or say, "what point is there when the Lord is coming soon." We are to keep pressing on until He tells us otherwise. So get back up and get back out there. The Lord will never lead you where His grace cannot keep you.

Recommended read: This book was written by my brother in 2009 and it symbolizes the one sheep the Lord went looking for, leaving the other 99. It shows us that every one sheep matters to God. So everything you do for His children, you are doing for Him. And he is pleased. Stay encouraged today! 

My Friend Jesus

Saturday, March 15, 2014 "Until"

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:7-8

We must wait upon the Lord and continue to do what He called us to do until He says otherwise. When we know this truth, we are able to be still and patient. I know it is not always easy for we want what we want but to step ahead of God is dangerous. His timing is perfect and when we react and then act on our own emotions and feelings, it is deadly territory for we are now out of His will. And that my friends, is the beginning of disaster. Please understand that our flesh will lie to us and the enemy will whisper in our ear the Lord is not listening, the Lord is too busy, the Lord does not care. But we must rebuke these lies in the name of Jesus for these thoughts are unholy and then we must remain steadfast on His truth. What is it that you have been waiting on? Are you beginning to grow impatient? When we wait upon the Lord, it means to trust in the Lord. We may not know where we are headed but we know enough to know He has it under control.

Friday, March 14, 2014 "Are You Downcast Today? Look Up!"

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

We all experience those days where we just feel like giving up. We reach our threshold and just feel hopeless. Some contribute it to their circumstances while others blame mood swings. Whatever you are facing that has you feeling overwhelmed or downtrodden, look up to Jesus. It is not always easy for the struggles we face are very debilitating sometimes. I have been there. I try not to allow my mind to go too deep. If I feel sad or depressed, I try to remind myself that I am a child of God and no weapon formed against me will ever prosper. I know that I am in His will and He blesses those who are obedient to Him. When I remind myself of these truths I then pray differently for I begin to see it is just the enemy trying to create doubt and fear in my heart. He tries to bring out all the things that are not good and then he tries to blame me for those things. Listen we have all made mistakes and we have all gotten off the narrow path of righteousness but the good Lord forgives those that repent before Him therefore any sin is washed away when we repent. No need to hang on. No need to dwell. No need to suffer. Instead rejoice in the new day. Turn it around by changing your mindset. Do no allow another minute of another day to go by where you feel worthless or feel bad about yourself. He loves you. He forgives you. He is with you. Believe in Him because He believes in you. 

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5

Thursday, March 13, 2014 "Don't Just Believe He Can, Know He Will"

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

Why do people think and pray small when our God is mightier and bigger than any mountain we could ever be up against?  We must stop looking at things in our own strength when our God is able to do all things for nothing is impossible for Him.(Luke 1:37) We all know this promise so then why don't we believe it?  I pray to my Lord with reverence but also with expectancy. For I know my faith tells me it is not in believing that God can, it is knowing that He will. Go to Him with boldness, it pleases Him. He is moved by our faith not our fear. To know He can is to pray with hope. Delight yourself in His love and promises for you are a child of God. Allow Him to bless you abundantly today. (John 10:10)

Monday, March 10, 2014 "Trusting in the Trial"

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which [the Lord] has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

The Lord can turn any situation around. We are never too far away from our break through. A friend taught me a long time ago we must pray with fervor and pray ourselves "through our struggles."  Keeping the proper attitude during our trials helps as well as trusting in the Lord. Do not grovel. Do not complain. Do not let the enemy enter your thought life with doubt and fear. They are not of God so guard your mind and heart. As Christians, we know we are either in a trial, stepping out of a trial or about to step in one. They are never fun nor easy but we learn from them. Keep your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is with you every step of the way. Proverbs 3:5 is a key verse to meditate on during hard times. And when you feel your weakest, pray these simple words, "Lord help me" and hold on to God! 

Tuesday, March 11, 2014 "This isn't Goodbye, Just See Ya Later"

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 

We mourn for our loved ones because we will miss them. We will miss talking to them, seeing them and spending time with them. We will miss knowing they are just a phone call away. I miss my Mom and Dad everyday. I wanted to pick up the phone and call my Mom yesterday because I miss her voice. I loved how she prayed for me and would get so upset when I was upset. She was so awesome like that and my Dad was just a rock. I also miss those that I counted as friends. Gone too soon without much warning. I think of you often and miss you still. So for those reasons, I mourn. But I know they are with the Lord dwelling in the most highest of places, free and whole. They are at peace and at rest and for those reasons, I rejoice.  

And to Heaven's newest angel, D, this isn't goodbye, just see you later.

Sunday, March 9, 2014 "Only You Can Decide"

"Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life"  John 3:16

There is life after death. 

Only you can decide which life you will live. 

Saturday, March 8, 2014 "Jesus Has The Wheel"

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

My life with Jesus is a spiritual journey. He is the driver and I am the passenger. He is in control and has the hands on the "wheel of my life" and I will allow Him to take me anywhere for I trust in Him. Sometimes He may "drive" only 5 miles an hour and I grow impatient in where we are going but I have learned to persevere for He always gets me safely to our destination and it is always worth the wait. I know to be ready at all times for my next journey for we never will stay in one place for too long. We are always moving forward, growing, changing and maturing. I am safe in my Lord's hands and I look forward to the roads traveled.

Friday, March 7, 2014 "He is Greater"

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Never ever let this world and those in it you bring you down. We are blessed and highly favored and are children of God. We are called to live our lives with joy, peace and wondrous faith. We have hope in all things for we know our God is greater than anything or anyone in this world. Do not let anyone speak death into your life for you are a victor not a victim. Pray for those that try to discount your testimony, pray for those that mock you. Forgive as God has forgiven. God has overcome the evilness of this world. Therefore live in victory and trust His Word. Do not worry. Do not be anxious. Simply believe.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 "God is Hope"

Thursday, March 6, 2014 "Our God Heals"

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4

In this life of uncertainty, God is our constant. He keeps His Word and He keeps His promises (Genesis 9:13).  There are so many of His children that are hurting. Some are suffering from physical ailments and we ask in the name of Jesus for their healing. Others are suffering from a far deeper ailment in the way of mental anguish. More people suffer from anxiety and depression than ever before and the doctor is right there ready to prescribe a pill for it. I am not a doctor. I am not a medical professional. I am not a psychologist. I am a daughter of God and I am a Christian. I believe in His miraculous power. I believe He can deliver anyone from any sickness or disease without a pill or a surgery. I know He has called wonderful men and women to be used in the medical field for His work to be done but I also believe that He can heal without ever entering a hospital. He created you as you are and the Lord does not make mistakes. He can save you, help you, heal you right where you are. All you must do is pray and ask for His healing and believe He will, not just that He can. I stand with you today as you bring your petition known to the Lord Almighty. 

He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." Exodus 15:26

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 "I am a Child of God"

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

I am a child of God.  I want for nothing for His love completes me.  I bow down at His feet and exalt His holy name. I am forever grateful for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon me. I am thankful He has restored my faith and hope. I am thankful for my circle of brothers and sisters that love me and pray for me. I love knowing His mercies are new everyday and His love is abounding. His grace will always be sufficient for me and I will forever stand on the rock of His truth.  The Bible is my lifeline and His Word is my guide. I will listen for His voice and obey His holy commands. I will walk the narrow path of righteousness all of my days. He is all I need. 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 "Book of Matthew"

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:5

Do not judge, or you too will be judged Matthew 7:1

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6

Monday, March 3, 2014 "To All of God's Leaders"

For all our spiritual leaders who guide us with God's Word and for those who dedicate their lives to helping others, these words are for you. As I read Nehemiah this morning, I came upon these words and I could not have said the message any clearer.

"Being God's leader is not gaining recognition, holding a position or being the boss.  It requires planning, hard work, courage, and perseverance.  Positive expectations are never a substitute for doing the difficult work.  And in order to lead others, you need to listen for God's direction in your life."

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Sunday, March 2, 2014 "God First"

Who do you worship? Who do you place of importance in your life? And in what order? The truth is we were all created to worship the one true God and He must come first above all else. The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." The Lord must be first above yourself, your children, your spouse, your career, even your church and ministries. We are to place our trust and faith in Him only and all the other "things" by way of blessings will be given to us. When we obey the Lord and place no other gods and idols before Him, we are rewarded. In fact when we trust Him completely, we honor Him. When we remain steady, calm, hopeful, and cheerful, we move the hands of God. The truth is there is no one that could ever take His place or give you what He can. He is all we need. Simply give Him your heart and surrender all to thee.  

Saturday, March 1, 2014 "The Lord will Redeem"

 “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay’, says the Lord”Romans 12:19 

The Lord will redeem you. Psalm 17:2 tells us, "May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.” When we are wronged it may feel like the bad guy won but we need only be still. The Lord will vindicate you and your name. It is easy to react, it is easy to want to respond but the Bible tells us to be slow to anger and to be slow to speak therefore we must guard our tongue and trust Him with our battles. He is ever faithful and loves you very much. Pray for those that have hurt you for the wrath of God is nothing to take lightly. He is not pleased when someone wrongs one of His own. God is not blind to what is going on, His eyes see what is right, His righteousness and truth will prevail. I encourage you to ask for the peace to accept whatever it is that has happened. Ask Him to soften your heart so as not to allow anger or resentment to manifest. And above all, walk in His love. Walk in His promise. Walk in His light. Walk in His truth for He is faithful and the battle is the Lord's.