Many times the bustles and busyness of life gets so overwhelming that we forget Who we serve. We don't forget about Him, per-se, but we forget to allow His will to be done...we try to be macho men and women and forget that everything here God has already overcome..we forget that He wants us to depend on Him so we try to do it ourselves..Well I was reminded yesterday that proper handling of problems, adversaries, doubts, life's journey, etc. is impossible without God. The night before I tried to pray and couldn't because so much was on my mind. I even tried to pray before coming to work and all I could say was "thank You Lord for another day," but that didn't bring what I needed. So, I was sitting at my computer at work feeling down, thinking about what my next move should be, and how I should handle a particular problem because it seems like nothing I was doing was working, and the Spirit said to me "pray." I needed a peace of mind and a clear heart because the enemy was really busy, and I had fallen victim. I immediately got up, went into the restroom stall and began to SINCERELY pray. I first repented and prayed for forgiveness, and I know God heard this prayer because I was able to let it all go. After praying I immediately felt a peace of mind and the weight lifted from my heart. I knew I was forgiven and I knew that everything would be alright.
So, if there is anything that you're going through and you just can't seem to find the answer..just can't seem to shake it...just can't find that peace of mind or get the enemy away from you...its burdening you down with a heavy heart remember that there is Someone who is willing to handle all of it. God is a loving, forgiving, caring God full of Awesomeness and there's nothing too big, too heavy, too surprising, or too hard for Him!!
"Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you." Psalms 55:22
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9
May God's Grace and Peace be upon you!!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Never-Ending
Sometimes life throws us curve balls, sometimes it gives us lemons, and sometimes it throws a monkey wrench so fast that we do not have the time to avoid them. Plenty times after one issue is resolved another one comes out of the blue..as soon as you think you've conquered, something else comes that seems even harder to handle than the last....Sometimes these things are uncontrollable and it is those instances that our human instincts begin to kick in. For example, the children aren't behaving in school, a loved one has died, the enemy is trying to destroy everything you've worked so hard to build, and it just seems like nothing you do is right..These are a few of the seemingly overwhelming trials that could lead to over-examination, underestimation, and can even be disheartening if we try to handle them singlehandedly instead of using the right resources. So, during these trying times that seem never-ending know that there is Someone that is bigger and badder than anything in the world...Someone who has overcome the world...and that Someone is with you all the time, rather things seem like they couldn't be more wrong or they seem like things couldn't be more right. That Someone is willing to walk with you during these times and that Someone has given you the power to overcome if only you believe..that Someone is Jesus and just as those trials SEEM to be never-ending it has been proven that His love, His grace, and His mercy ARE never-ending!! He loves you and He'll never put more on you than you can bear.
Praying God's Blessings and Peace Among You All!!
May the verse below from Kirk Franklin's song entitled: "More Than I Can Bear" encourage you as much as it encourages me when the days seem gloomy!!!
"I've gone through the fire
And I've been through the flood
I've been broken into pieces
Seen lightnin' flashin' from above
But through it all I remember
That He loves me
And He cares
And He'll never put more on me
Than I can bear"
Praying God's Blessings and Peace Among You All!!
May the verse below from Kirk Franklin's song entitled: "More Than I Can Bear" encourage you as much as it encourages me when the days seem gloomy!!!
"I've gone through the fire
And I've been through the flood
I've been broken into pieces
Seen lightnin' flashin' from above
But through it all I remember
That He loves me
And He cares
And He'll never put more on me
Than I can bear"
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Virtue
Days ago God laid it on my heart to write a blog about one of the greatest assets...The Virtue known as patience. However, I was disobedient at first because I sometimes struggle with this virtue. I thought, "God how could I possibly write about something that I have trouble with myself, sometimes." He said, "don't worry, I'll lead you." So before I begin I'll start with a prayer:
Father in Heaven, I ask that you'll guide my thoughts. Allow me to get the message across to your people that you would have them receive. And Father, while I'm writing bless me with patience and wisdom so that I may also abide by the message that you are sending out. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
So often people (myself included) ask God for something and expect it to be done right then. However, our time is not always God's time, and though we THINK we know what is best He DOES know what is best. Therefore, we must learn the importance of The Virtue..known as patience. Sometimes we ask for a new house, job, or car..sometimes we ask for money to pay a bill..sometimes it's for someone to be removed from our lives or put in our lives...a sickness or pain to go away...our hearts to be mended..a sign of something...or hard times to cease...
Well, instead of "rushing" God to do what you want Him to do..submit to HIS ways for your life. Know that He works for the good of you..to help you..increase you..build you..strengthen you..and nothing that He does is ever to harm you or take away from you..that is Satan's job. It may seem like God is not answering you, but He has heard your cry and He is working for you. He might not answer when you call but trust that He will be there right on time.
So, when it feels like God isn't moving for you here are some reasons why, which are also some of my testimonies: You may not be ready to receive what you are asking for in the quantity that God is going to bless you with...what you are trying to get to may be good for you but not at the moment...He may be working it out so the bill that you need money for is already paid..the people that you want removed aren't done fulfilling their purposes in your life..the people that you want to come into your life aren't yet prepared to be apart of what God is doing in your life..the sickness or pain that you are feeling is there so you'll be able to help someone else get through theirs who wouldn't be strong enough to get through without your testimony...your heart isn't ready to be mended because you'll make the same mistakes over again if He doesn't teach you a lesson..you won't be able to handle the sign(s) that you are asking for...and your breaking point is going to help you walk into your breakthrough!!
Now that you've read this, the next time you find yourself doubting God because He isn't moving as "fast" as you'd like Him to remember that His timing is perfect and PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE!! Therefore, instead of rushing God..practice The Virtue of patience. Instead of saying "Lord why aren't you answering me?" Say, "Lord, please give me the strength and wisdom to patiently endure so that I can receive all that you have in store for me. Give me the knowledge to see that your ways are best, and that you know what is good for me while I only think I know."
God Bless You!!!
Helpful Scriptures:
Psalm 37:7- Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.
James 1:2-4- Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Father in Heaven, I ask that you'll guide my thoughts. Allow me to get the message across to your people that you would have them receive. And Father, while I'm writing bless me with patience and wisdom so that I may also abide by the message that you are sending out. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
So often people (myself included) ask God for something and expect it to be done right then. However, our time is not always God's time, and though we THINK we know what is best He DOES know what is best. Therefore, we must learn the importance of The Virtue..known as patience. Sometimes we ask for a new house, job, or car..sometimes we ask for money to pay a bill..sometimes it's for someone to be removed from our lives or put in our lives...a sickness or pain to go away...our hearts to be mended..a sign of something...or hard times to cease...
Well, instead of "rushing" God to do what you want Him to do..submit to HIS ways for your life. Know that He works for the good of you..to help you..increase you..build you..strengthen you..and nothing that He does is ever to harm you or take away from you..that is Satan's job. It may seem like God is not answering you, but He has heard your cry and He is working for you. He might not answer when you call but trust that He will be there right on time.
So, when it feels like God isn't moving for you here are some reasons why, which are also some of my testimonies: You may not be ready to receive what you are asking for in the quantity that God is going to bless you with...what you are trying to get to may be good for you but not at the moment...He may be working it out so the bill that you need money for is already paid..the people that you want removed aren't done fulfilling their purposes in your life..the people that you want to come into your life aren't yet prepared to be apart of what God is doing in your life..the sickness or pain that you are feeling is there so you'll be able to help someone else get through theirs who wouldn't be strong enough to get through without your testimony...your heart isn't ready to be mended because you'll make the same mistakes over again if He doesn't teach you a lesson..you won't be able to handle the sign(s) that you are asking for...and your breaking point is going to help you walk into your breakthrough!!
Now that you've read this, the next time you find yourself doubting God because He isn't moving as "fast" as you'd like Him to remember that His timing is perfect and PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE!! Therefore, instead of rushing God..practice The Virtue of patience. Instead of saying "Lord why aren't you answering me?" Say, "Lord, please give me the strength and wisdom to patiently endure so that I can receive all that you have in store for me. Give me the knowledge to see that your ways are best, and that you know what is good for me while I only think I know."
God Bless You!!!
Helpful Scriptures:
Psalm 37:7- Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.
James 1:2-4- Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Monday, October 10, 2011
FIGHT
The bills are due, the refrigerator is getting low, the gas light is on...
The babies need diapers, the children want to participate in sports, things aren't going well at work...
School work is getting hard, problems are arising in your relationship, you are mentally and emotionally drained...
You've done all you can but things just don't seem to get any better for you...
You're ready to give up because the devil is steady beating you with its rod...
There's no one to turn to because everyone has problems of their own...
So you have no choice but to give up..tired of facing the problems so you're letting them pile up...the more they pile the more you block them out...
Fighting to keep your sanity through all the craziness...feeling like there's no reason to smile anymore...life doesn't even seem worth living anymore...
Is this you or anyone you know?? If so,
God wants you to know that:
You are never alone...He promised to never leave you nor forsake you...(Hebrews 13:5)
The Spirit He gave us does not make us timid..it gives us power, love, and self-discipline...(II Timothy 1:7)
It is His desire for you to cast all your cares on Him...(I Peter 5:7)
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you...(Philippians 4:13)
So today, I encourage you to FIGHT BACK...tell the devil "no weapons formed against me shall prosper, it won't work..God will do what He said He will do..He will stand by His word..And He will come through..I won't be afraid of the arrows by day..From the hand of my enemy..I CAN stand my ground with the Lord on my side..For the snares they have set will not succeed" (Fred Hammond)...
No matter how it feels or what it seems like, it's time to reap the harvest God promised you..take back what the devil stole from you..and rejoice today for you will recover it all (Hezekiah Walker)...Walk in faith and not by sight...FIGHT with the Word as your source and Jesus as your Savior...the devil has had you down long enough it's time for you to FIGHT your way back up...
There's an end to your troubles..there's an end to your sadness..there's an end to Satan's tactics...your prayers are going to be answered according to God's will...but only if you get up and put your guards up..get outta the slump and FIGHT...Jesus is alive and well and He knows all about your troubles now it's time for you to tell your troubles all about Him!!!
God Bless You!!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Welcoming The New
There was this girl who was trying to get closer to God but there were still some things that she had to work on. One of those things was doing away with the old...old habits, old hatred, old attitudes, old thoughts, old feelings, and even a couple old friends. The old was lead by the "flesh" and Satan had its dirty little hands all over it. However, she decided that she was tired of trying to fix the old and it was time to due away with it. Things began to happen..some good and some not so good, but by this time she was already reading the Bible so she knew that "all things come together for the good of those who love the Lord" Roman 8:28. She also knew that the Bible said "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" Matthew 17:20. So while Satan was trying to get her to be complacent in the old, she continued to draw closer to God. Nobody's perfect though so of course she did not do everything perfectly, and sometimes gave into the old ways yet 1 Samuel 16:7 says "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Therefore, when she subjected to the old she never gave up her fight to welcome the new....
Time passed and blessings began to flow abundantly. She thought "oh yes, I am doing what is pleasing to God." However, a blessing came her way that was in the form of a message God had given an author, and she realized that there was still things that she needed to rid herself of. She was on the journey but she hadn't reached her destination...she was trying to take others to a place she'd never been and it was impossible. There were a few things she still needed to do to be pleasing in His eyes and one of those things was letting go of the old and welcoming the new....
She read and reread the scripture from Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me." And she began to receive a revelation...that was "forgive and love your enemies." And, this one particular person came to mind. The old began to fight with the new..saying "don't forgive her she's done this to you and she's done that to you" but the new said "it doesn't matter what she did I'm going to forgive her and I'm going to love her. I'm not holding malice in my heart anymore..instead, I'm going to speak to her (even if it's just hello). I'm going to do what is pleasing to God." In that case I'm out with the old and welcoming the new....
If you can relate to any of this and are trying to get closer to God...due away with the old. There will be battles with the flesh...you may have to face some demons that you've been overlooking or have put away....there may be criticism...battles of the mind and heart..battles of the new and old...tears...and even some people and things you'll have to leave behind, but NO reward is greater than the rewards that God will bless you with. Nothing beats knowing that you're living for someone who has fought and overcame the world..living for someone who loved you so much he gave his only begotten Son to die for you. And, there is absolutely no better feeling than ridding yourself of the old... getting out of bondage...and welcoming the new!!!....Ask me how I know and the answer is: Because SHE is ME!!
God Bless You!!
Time passed and blessings began to flow abundantly. She thought "oh yes, I am doing what is pleasing to God." However, a blessing came her way that was in the form of a message God had given an author, and she realized that there was still things that she needed to rid herself of. She was on the journey but she hadn't reached her destination...she was trying to take others to a place she'd never been and it was impossible. There were a few things she still needed to do to be pleasing in His eyes and one of those things was letting go of the old and welcoming the new....
She read and reread the scripture from Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me." And she began to receive a revelation...that was "forgive and love your enemies." And, this one particular person came to mind. The old began to fight with the new..saying "don't forgive her she's done this to you and she's done that to you" but the new said "it doesn't matter what she did I'm going to forgive her and I'm going to love her. I'm not holding malice in my heart anymore..instead, I'm going to speak to her (even if it's just hello). I'm going to do what is pleasing to God." In that case I'm out with the old and welcoming the new....
If you can relate to any of this and are trying to get closer to God...due away with the old. There will be battles with the flesh...you may have to face some demons that you've been overlooking or have put away....there may be criticism...battles of the mind and heart..battles of the new and old...tears...and even some people and things you'll have to leave behind, but NO reward is greater than the rewards that God will bless you with. Nothing beats knowing that you're living for someone who has fought and overcame the world..living for someone who loved you so much he gave his only begotten Son to die for you. And, there is absolutely no better feeling than ridding yourself of the old... getting out of bondage...and welcoming the new!!!....Ask me how I know and the answer is: Because SHE is ME!!
God Bless You!!
Friday, September 23, 2011
A Simple Song
"Sometimes you have to speak the word over yourself, the pressure is all around, but God is present help. The enemy created walls, but remember giants, they do fall; speak over yourself, encourage yourself in the Lord." ~Donald Lawrence
Yesterday I realized that a song, or verse from a song, can do so much for and to your situation. I was feeling down, at the point of tears, because I'd lost the diamond to my wedding ring. I had support and it helped, but I still wanted to cry every time I looked down at my finger. After lunch, I came back to work and God stepped in. He allowed my office to be quiet so I could listen to some uplifting music...that soul soothing music...that good ole gospel music that can touch your life in more ways than one if you listen and allow it too. A simple song (verse above), Encourage Yourself, by Donald Lawrence began to play and I began to feel better. The pressure was all around..the enemy was working overtime by trying to keep me in a sulking mood but my God was a present help.
No matter what you're going through...rather your lost diamond is your wedding ring, a family member, your job, spouse, or a mate..rather your diamond is a car, house, or a friend...today I dare you to encourage yourself..speak victory during your test..allow God to be your present help!! There is not one friend that could do you like Jesus. Allow Him to dry your tears...erase your fears..remove your worries...and carry your burdens. Allow him to be your refresher and your supplier.... He's willing and He's waiting!!
Yesterday I realized that a song, or verse from a song, can do so much for and to your situation. I was feeling down, at the point of tears, because I'd lost the diamond to my wedding ring. I had support and it helped, but I still wanted to cry every time I looked down at my finger. After lunch, I came back to work and God stepped in. He allowed my office to be quiet so I could listen to some uplifting music...that soul soothing music...that good ole gospel music that can touch your life in more ways than one if you listen and allow it too. A simple song (verse above), Encourage Yourself, by Donald Lawrence began to play and I began to feel better. The pressure was all around..the enemy was working overtime by trying to keep me in a sulking mood but my God was a present help.
No matter what you're going through...rather your lost diamond is your wedding ring, a family member, your job, spouse, or a mate..rather your diamond is a car, house, or a friend...today I dare you to encourage yourself..speak victory during your test..allow God to be your present help!! There is not one friend that could do you like Jesus. Allow Him to dry your tears...erase your fears..remove your worries...and carry your burdens. Allow him to be your refresher and your supplier.... He's willing and He's waiting!!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
All Of It
The tears…loneliness...long nights...worry…
The disappointments…broken promises…lies…
The failed relationships…drama…misfortunes…
The sadness…anger…confusion…
The things I didn’t have…got but didn’t deserve..and didn’t get but I needed
The failures…criticism...not being appreciated…
I have no complaints about because they built strength…gave knowledge…gave discernment…
They provided me a chance to live and not exist…a chance to teach…a chance to encourage others…
They gave me a story to share…assembled a testimony…the ability to change someone else’s life…
They presented me the opportunity of real love…sincere laughter…immeasurable joy…
They awarded me the best thing anyone could ever receive…a gift the world would never be able to give...an award the world will never be able to take....
They contributed to my never ending journey...a walk that's worth more than life...my quest to find GOD
Now that I have found him...I'm learning more about Him...and I love Him wholeheartedly...
That's why I won't complain...they granted me everything I needed...to find me..so I could reach my destiny...
So if I had to do it again, I would….
All Of It
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)