Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Learning to Forgive
Scripture:
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11
Saints, Is there anyone in your life that you say you hate? Are there people in your life who have wronged you and therefore you can't forgive them? Do you sometimes get angry at those people in your life you profess to love and say mean and hurtful things to them? Do you have a mean spirit?
Now some of you may not believe this, but there are times in my life when I can be mean spirited. And if you are honest with yourselves you too will admit that there has been a time or two in your life when you too have been mean and hurtful to someone you love. In a moment of anger you may have said or done something to someone you say you love.
When someone hurts us our first reaction is to hurt them back; just as much or even more than they hurt us. It doesn't matter who it is. Your significant other, your children, a friend, or even your parents. There is nothing worse than someone you love doing or saying something that they know is going to hurt not just your feelings, but it will hurt your heart and soul.
However, I have good news for you. As you grow in your faith and in your knowledge in Christ you will begin to develop a forgiving spirit, a loving spirit, a spirit that will bridle your tongue and your actions. The more that you grow in the word of God, the more you will become Christ like.
Keep in mind that if someone loves you, you can overlook their moments of anger. If a brother or sister hurts you, don't just turn the other cheek, but put yourself in their place and think about what might have caused their reaction.
Remember that person loves you, so do I, But God loves you best.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God we start our day with a spirit of love. We will show love and compassion to those around us. Our prayer this day is that we may learn to be more patient with those around us and try to remember that words spoken in anger can be forgiven. Father, help us to develop a more forgiving spirit. A spirit that is not easily riled. Help us to recognize when our loved ones are being used against us by satan in an effort to cause us to stumble. Lord, touch our brothers and sisters who have a mean spirit, casting out that vile and wicked demon in the name of Jesus. Have mercy and show favor to Your saints right now. Touch, bless and anoint Your saints who are reading this message. Father, we don't know the needs of Your children, but we know that You do. As we humble ourselves before You this day, in reverence to You, in honor of You, and because of who You are, we will sings songs of praise to You all day long. When we think about Your blessings, we will stop and say, thank You Lord. In the name of Your son, we humbly submit this prayer and claim our victories. Amen.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11
Saints, Is there anyone in your life that you say you hate? Are there people in your life who have wronged you and therefore you can't forgive them? Do you sometimes get angry at those people in your life you profess to love and say mean and hurtful things to them? Do you have a mean spirit?
Now some of you may not believe this, but there are times in my life when I can be mean spirited. And if you are honest with yourselves you too will admit that there has been a time or two in your life when you too have been mean and hurtful to someone you love. In a moment of anger you may have said or done something to someone you say you love.
When someone hurts us our first reaction is to hurt them back; just as much or even more than they hurt us. It doesn't matter who it is. Your significant other, your children, a friend, or even your parents. There is nothing worse than someone you love doing or saying something that they know is going to hurt not just your feelings, but it will hurt your heart and soul.
However, I have good news for you. As you grow in your faith and in your knowledge in Christ you will begin to develop a forgiving spirit, a loving spirit, a spirit that will bridle your tongue and your actions. The more that you grow in the word of God, the more you will become Christ like.
Keep in mind that if someone loves you, you can overlook their moments of anger. If a brother or sister hurts you, don't just turn the other cheek, but put yourself in their place and think about what might have caused their reaction.
Remember that person loves you, so do I, But God loves you best.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God we start our day with a spirit of love. We will show love and compassion to those around us. Our prayer this day is that we may learn to be more patient with those around us and try to remember that words spoken in anger can be forgiven. Father, help us to develop a more forgiving spirit. A spirit that is not easily riled. Help us to recognize when our loved ones are being used against us by satan in an effort to cause us to stumble. Lord, touch our brothers and sisters who have a mean spirit, casting out that vile and wicked demon in the name of Jesus. Have mercy and show favor to Your saints right now. Touch, bless and anoint Your saints who are reading this message. Father, we don't know the needs of Your children, but we know that You do. As we humble ourselves before You this day, in reverence to You, in honor of You, and because of who You are, we will sings songs of praise to You all day long. When we think about Your blessings, we will stop and say, thank You Lord. In the name of Your son, we humbly submit this prayer and claim our victories. Amen.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Are You Selfish?
Remember, Glory, built on selfish principles, is shame and guilt. ~ William Cowper
Scripture:
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. Romans 15:1-2
Saints,
How often do you do something for someone else other than yourselves? I mean, do you ever do anything to help someone without expecting anything in return, not even a thank you?
I know that as a parent I often sacrifice things for my children. I will go without, just to make sure that they have. As a sister, I don't question my siblings when they want something. If I see a need, I don't ask, I just do. As a friend, when my phone rings and the voice on the other end says, "Jack I need..., I am there. When someone calls late in the midnight hour and just needs to talk, I listen. If you need one and I got two, it's yours.
As Christians we should have that same giving spirits when it comes to others. Now giving isn't always tangible. What I mean by that is every gift that we give doesn't always have to be something that you feel or touch. Sometimes the gifts of friendship, encouragement, love, respect, understanding, and even the gift of listening is more precious than silver and gold. Sometimes the gift of intercessory prayer is the best gift we could ever give.
I know that as a Christian the best gifts that I have ever received where grace and mercy. The gift of salvation ain't bad either. Let’s not forget the gift of forgiveness. How about the time when we got that gift called deliverance? And how about that time when we backslid and received the gift of reconciliation?
Saints, the list goes on and on. God gave us all power when he gave us his greatest gift, His son. "Jesus Christ". Isn't time you gave something back on his behalf?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, I just want to thank You Lord for all You have done for me. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for deliverance. Thank You for blessing me. Lord, my list of thanks is long and for that, I thank You. Lord, we come asking that something that we may do or say today, would bless someone else. Lord, give us the courage, strength and wisdom to reach out to someone else and help them instead of helping just ourselves. Father, if we have a spirit of selfishness, we ask that You would reveal it to us. If we have a spirit of envy or of covertness, please let us see them. Touch us now Lord Jesus, allowing Your power and Your spirit to be magnified within us. Empower us today Lord, to go forth and do a good work in Your name. Bless us now Father, so that we may be a blessing onto others. Father, we join together to pray for one another. We come together on one accord claiming victory, breakthroughs, deliverance, salvation and what ever else our brothers and sisters may have asked for. Thank You Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We plead the blood of Jesus over everything that You have given us dominion over, as we ask and pray this in His magnificent name. Amen.
Scripture:
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. Romans 15:1-2
Saints,
How often do you do something for someone else other than yourselves? I mean, do you ever do anything to help someone without expecting anything in return, not even a thank you?
I know that as a parent I often sacrifice things for my children. I will go without, just to make sure that they have. As a sister, I don't question my siblings when they want something. If I see a need, I don't ask, I just do. As a friend, when my phone rings and the voice on the other end says, "Jack I need..., I am there. When someone calls late in the midnight hour and just needs to talk, I listen. If you need one and I got two, it's yours.
As Christians we should have that same giving spirits when it comes to others. Now giving isn't always tangible. What I mean by that is every gift that we give doesn't always have to be something that you feel or touch. Sometimes the gifts of friendship, encouragement, love, respect, understanding, and even the gift of listening is more precious than silver and gold. Sometimes the gift of intercessory prayer is the best gift we could ever give.
I know that as a Christian the best gifts that I have ever received where grace and mercy. The gift of salvation ain't bad either. Let’s not forget the gift of forgiveness. How about the time when we got that gift called deliverance? And how about that time when we backslid and received the gift of reconciliation?
Saints, the list goes on and on. God gave us all power when he gave us his greatest gift, His son. "Jesus Christ". Isn't time you gave something back on his behalf?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, I just want to thank You Lord for all You have done for me. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for deliverance. Thank You for blessing me. Lord, my list of thanks is long and for that, I thank You. Lord, we come asking that something that we may do or say today, would bless someone else. Lord, give us the courage, strength and wisdom to reach out to someone else and help them instead of helping just ourselves. Father, if we have a spirit of selfishness, we ask that You would reveal it to us. If we have a spirit of envy or of covertness, please let us see them. Touch us now Lord Jesus, allowing Your power and Your spirit to be magnified within us. Empower us today Lord, to go forth and do a good work in Your name. Bless us now Father, so that we may be a blessing onto others. Father, we join together to pray for one another. We come together on one accord claiming victory, breakthroughs, deliverance, salvation and what ever else our brothers and sisters may have asked for. Thank You Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We plead the blood of Jesus over everything that You have given us dominion over, as we ask and pray this in His magnificent name. Amen.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Judging Others
Remember, a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others. ~ The Wizard to the Tin Man
Scripture:
But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:6-7
Do you gossip? Do you ever find yourself saying something negative about someone else? Have you passed judgment against someone else because they do not belief what you belief? Do you listen to the gossiping of others just because you find it interesting?
Saints, too often we, and yes I did say we, find ourselves looking at others and judging others by what we believe to be true. Too often we rush to hear what others are talking about because we become curious. Too often, we want to look down on the unsaved because they are not living by the word of God and so we believe we are better than them and have the right to say what we want.
We must remember that it is only by the grace of God that you and I are who we are. It is only by God's grace and mercy that we know his word. It is only because of God that we have what we have.
Don't give satan any glory by tearing your brothers and sister down with your judgments. Don't allow satan to come between you and God through gossip.
Remember, don't judge, lest you be judged. And when you are pointing your finger at someone else, there are four more pointing back at you.
Be Blessed.
Prayer:
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Lord, Lord, forgive us for our wicked tongues. Lord, keep us so that we may not sin against one another with words. Father, we know that there is power in the tongues of Your saints. So today Lord, we Your saints of God will bless not only You, but we will continuously bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Father, we are approached with idle gossip about someone, rather than join in on the conversation, help us to lift that person up in prayer. Lord, keep us from being judgmental against one another and to show the love of Jesus Christ in everything that we do and say. We love You Lord. We Bless Your holy name. Cover Your saints today with the blood of salvation. Keep us Lord, so that we may not sin against one another. We ask these and all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:6-7
Do you gossip? Do you ever find yourself saying something negative about someone else? Have you passed judgment against someone else because they do not belief what you belief? Do you listen to the gossiping of others just because you find it interesting?
Saints, too often we, and yes I did say we, find ourselves looking at others and judging others by what we believe to be true. Too often we rush to hear what others are talking about because we become curious. Too often, we want to look down on the unsaved because they are not living by the word of God and so we believe we are better than them and have the right to say what we want.
We must remember that it is only by the grace of God that you and I are who we are. It is only by God's grace and mercy that we know his word. It is only because of God that we have what we have.
Don't give satan any glory by tearing your brothers and sister down with your judgments. Don't allow satan to come between you and God through gossip.
Remember, don't judge, lest you be judged. And when you are pointing your finger at someone else, there are four more pointing back at you.
Be Blessed.
Prayer:
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Lord, Lord, forgive us for our wicked tongues. Lord, keep us so that we may not sin against one another with words. Father, we know that there is power in the tongues of Your saints. So today Lord, we Your saints of God will bless not only You, but we will continuously bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Father, we are approached with idle gossip about someone, rather than join in on the conversation, help us to lift that person up in prayer. Lord, keep us from being judgmental against one another and to show the love of Jesus Christ in everything that we do and say. We love You Lord. We Bless Your holy name. Cover Your saints today with the blood of salvation. Keep us Lord, so that we may not sin against one another. We ask these and all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
What Are You Busy Doing?
Remember, "It's not enough to be busy. The question is what are we Busy about?" ~ Henry David Thoreau, author
Scripture:
So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Luke 2:48-50 (New King James Version)
So often, our days are filled with stuff to do. For me this weekend was full of shopping, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and attending a funeral. I always have a multitude of things to do with nary an opportunity to just rest. Much of what I do is by choice.
My family and friends often wonder why I spend so much time on the computer. They don’t understand my NEED to write. You see, I make it a point to write something every day. I commit to doing these devotionals five out of seven days a week.
A friend pointed out to me just this evening, that so often I try to downplay the power of these messages or the fact that I just do them as something to do. In part she is right. But on the other hand, she doesn’t realize that I cannot let more than a day go by without writing one. You see, I realize and recognize that I have been given a responsibility. That responsibility is to be about my Father business. The business of spreading the good news of the Gospel.
What most of you don’t realize is that I know that these devotionals are a gift for me from my heavenly Father. So often I am writing them for myself as much as I am writing them for you. I will let you in on a little secret too. I often find myself arguing with God about what I WON”T write about. But for some strange reason, He always seems to win. No matter how painful a message may be to me.
I have been given a charge, a responsibility and it is my duty to share the Word of God with as many people as I can. Some folks are very receptive and yet others will sometimes look at me as though I have a problem.
But you know what? It is a problem I gladly accept with open arms!
Be Blessed
PRAYER:
Lord, may the trials that I must endure, help me to develop a more Christ like character. I know that often times I complain about the things that adversely affect my life. I do not always appreciate that even in the times of suffering; You are always there to sustain me. Father, forgive me when I complain about the heaviness of my cross. Father God, our stay here is short and we accept the fact that one day, there will be no more suffering, and for that fact, we thank You. Lord, I pray that I would develop a more selfless character and cheerfully go about doing Your work. I pray that something that I do or say on this journey would cause someone who is lost, to seek Your face. Now Lord, I ask that You would continue to Bless Your saints who find encouragement in Your daily word. Lord, we thank You for all that You do for us and for keeping us yet again. Bless You Father. Thank You now and forevermore, in the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Luke 2:48-50 (New King James Version)
So often, our days are filled with stuff to do. For me this weekend was full of shopping, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and attending a funeral. I always have a multitude of things to do with nary an opportunity to just rest. Much of what I do is by choice.
My family and friends often wonder why I spend so much time on the computer. They don’t understand my NEED to write. You see, I make it a point to write something every day. I commit to doing these devotionals five out of seven days a week.
A friend pointed out to me just this evening, that so often I try to downplay the power of these messages or the fact that I just do them as something to do. In part she is right. But on the other hand, she doesn’t realize that I cannot let more than a day go by without writing one. You see, I realize and recognize that I have been given a responsibility. That responsibility is to be about my Father business. The business of spreading the good news of the Gospel.
What most of you don’t realize is that I know that these devotionals are a gift for me from my heavenly Father. So often I am writing them for myself as much as I am writing them for you. I will let you in on a little secret too. I often find myself arguing with God about what I WON”T write about. But for some strange reason, He always seems to win. No matter how painful a message may be to me.
I have been given a charge, a responsibility and it is my duty to share the Word of God with as many people as I can. Some folks are very receptive and yet others will sometimes look at me as though I have a problem.
But you know what? It is a problem I gladly accept with open arms!
Be Blessed
PRAYER:
Lord, may the trials that I must endure, help me to develop a more Christ like character. I know that often times I complain about the things that adversely affect my life. I do not always appreciate that even in the times of suffering; You are always there to sustain me. Father, forgive me when I complain about the heaviness of my cross. Father God, our stay here is short and we accept the fact that one day, there will be no more suffering, and for that fact, we thank You. Lord, I pray that I would develop a more selfless character and cheerfully go about doing Your work. I pray that something that I do or say on this journey would cause someone who is lost, to seek Your face. Now Lord, I ask that You would continue to Bless Your saints who find encouragement in Your daily word. Lord, we thank You for all that You do for us and for keeping us yet again. Bless You Father. Thank You now and forevermore, in the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
What If....
Remember, "Work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching." ~ Unknown.
Scriptures:
I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2 (New International Version)
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; John 11:25 (New International Version)
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Romans 8:11 (New International Version)
Yesterday, I received two very disturbing phone calls. The first one came early in the morning as I was getting dressed. A very dear friend called to tell me that her father had died suddenly earlier that morning. He succumbed to a massive heart attack.
What made this situation even more shocking was that her mother had just been released from the hospital following surgery for complications resulting from a stroke. We had been diligently praying for her complete recovery and rejoicing that the Lord had delivered her. She had only been home for a day when tragedy struck.
The next call came later that evening. Another dear friend called to give me the results of some additional tests that she had taken. She has cancer. The doctors on her case only give her one year to live. Even though I spoke words of encouragement to her, secretly, my heart was breaking. Now before I go any further, I want to emphatically state that even though her human doctors have spoken these words, Our heavenly Doctor still has the final word. I am claiming complete healing and victory in the name of Jesus for my friend.
I use these two examples to raise a very important question. What if you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do? Would you tell your loved ones just how much they mean to you? Would you celebrate your life, knowing that somewhere down the line you did make a difference? Would you live the REST of your life as though it was a cause to rejoice? Rejoicing in the fact that you had done all that you could to be all that God wanted you to be? Knowing that you were going to meet your Savior?
Right now my heart is heavy because of the love that I have for both of my sisters. However, inwardly I rejoice because I know that both families are deeply rooted in their faith.
Ironically, Eddie, my friend’s father shared something with her just a few weeks ago. He said, “Daughter, I have lived over eighty years. I would like to stay around a few more, but I am not afraid to die. You see, I know my God. Even though I would miss you all, I will rejoice to be at home with the Master.”
So my friends, what if you knew you would die tomorrow? Can you say you will rejoice to be at home with the Master?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace with a heavy heart. I share the burden of death with those I love. My heart is heavy at their loss, but my spirit is full, knowing that Eddie is home with You. Lord, he has taught us that we do not have to fear death because we know you. So even though weeping may endure for a night, we rejoice in the fact that one day, we too shall be with You. Lord, I ask that you would touch and heal the body of my Sister. Father, I speak healing into her spirit and call on the elders of the church to touch and agree with me on her behalf. Man cannot predict when our time is up, only You can. Father God, may we all learn a lesson in dying. That lesson is to live our lives as though it is a celebration. A celebration of the lives that we have touched and a celebration of You touching our lives. Lord, continue to be with all of Your saints reading this prayer right now. Touch, bless and anoint our earthly fathers and mothers. For they are the conduit of Your word in our lives. We continue to bless and uplift the name of Jesus. It is in His name that we submit this prayer. Glory Hallelujah, Praise God and Amen.
Scriptures:
I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2 (New International Version)
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; John 11:25 (New International Version)
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Romans 8:11 (New International Version)
Yesterday, I received two very disturbing phone calls. The first one came early in the morning as I was getting dressed. A very dear friend called to tell me that her father had died suddenly earlier that morning. He succumbed to a massive heart attack.
What made this situation even more shocking was that her mother had just been released from the hospital following surgery for complications resulting from a stroke. We had been diligently praying for her complete recovery and rejoicing that the Lord had delivered her. She had only been home for a day when tragedy struck.
The next call came later that evening. Another dear friend called to give me the results of some additional tests that she had taken. She has cancer. The doctors on her case only give her one year to live. Even though I spoke words of encouragement to her, secretly, my heart was breaking. Now before I go any further, I want to emphatically state that even though her human doctors have spoken these words, Our heavenly Doctor still has the final word. I am claiming complete healing and victory in the name of Jesus for my friend.
I use these two examples to raise a very important question. What if you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do? Would you tell your loved ones just how much they mean to you? Would you celebrate your life, knowing that somewhere down the line you did make a difference? Would you live the REST of your life as though it was a cause to rejoice? Rejoicing in the fact that you had done all that you could to be all that God wanted you to be? Knowing that you were going to meet your Savior?
Right now my heart is heavy because of the love that I have for both of my sisters. However, inwardly I rejoice because I know that both families are deeply rooted in their faith.
Ironically, Eddie, my friend’s father shared something with her just a few weeks ago. He said, “Daughter, I have lived over eighty years. I would like to stay around a few more, but I am not afraid to die. You see, I know my God. Even though I would miss you all, I will rejoice to be at home with the Master.”
So my friends, what if you knew you would die tomorrow? Can you say you will rejoice to be at home with the Master?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace with a heavy heart. I share the burden of death with those I love. My heart is heavy at their loss, but my spirit is full, knowing that Eddie is home with You. Lord, he has taught us that we do not have to fear death because we know you. So even though weeping may endure for a night, we rejoice in the fact that one day, we too shall be with You. Lord, I ask that you would touch and heal the body of my Sister. Father, I speak healing into her spirit and call on the elders of the church to touch and agree with me on her behalf. Man cannot predict when our time is up, only You can. Father God, may we all learn a lesson in dying. That lesson is to live our lives as though it is a celebration. A celebration of the lives that we have touched and a celebration of You touching our lives. Lord, continue to be with all of Your saints reading this prayer right now. Touch, bless and anoint our earthly fathers and mothers. For they are the conduit of Your word in our lives. We continue to bless and uplift the name of Jesus. It is in His name that we submit this prayer. Glory Hallelujah, Praise God and Amen.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
When You Can't Take another Step
Remember, if you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else. ~ Yogi Berra
Scripture:
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
I know that many of you are going through difficult times right now. Life has somehow disappointed you and it seems as though you can't catch a break. Relationships and families are in trouble, some are out of work, and others our faced with what seems like insurmountable financial troubles.
There are those of you who are faced with sickness of mind, body, spirit and soul. Others have lost loved ones and there are even some who are disappointed because they can’t find a mate. Some of you are almost ready to give up!
The word of God tells us that no matter what we are going through, He is right there with us. Things may seem bad right now, but as long as God is walking with us, we are never alone.
Our father has said that he would never leave us or forsake us. All you have to do is take yourselves out of the situations and put him in it in your place. Know that he is always with us even when it seems like no one else is coming to your aid.
He will never let us go if we reach out to him.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, stretch out my hand to thee and call on the name of Jesus! Have mercy Lord for we are weak and need you right here, right now. Abba, show favor towards your children this day. Give us the strength and the courage to endure. We need you right now. Touch us right now. Bless us right now. In the magnificent name of your son, we submit this prayer. Amen.
Scripture:
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
I know that many of you are going through difficult times right now. Life has somehow disappointed you and it seems as though you can't catch a break. Relationships and families are in trouble, some are out of work, and others our faced with what seems like insurmountable financial troubles.
There are those of you who are faced with sickness of mind, body, spirit and soul. Others have lost loved ones and there are even some who are disappointed because they can’t find a mate. Some of you are almost ready to give up!
The word of God tells us that no matter what we are going through, He is right there with us. Things may seem bad right now, but as long as God is walking with us, we are never alone.
Our father has said that he would never leave us or forsake us. All you have to do is take yourselves out of the situations and put him in it in your place. Know that he is always with us even when it seems like no one else is coming to your aid.
He will never let us go if we reach out to him.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, stretch out my hand to thee and call on the name of Jesus! Have mercy Lord for we are weak and need you right here, right now. Abba, show favor towards your children this day. Give us the strength and the courage to endure. We need you right now. Touch us right now. Bless us right now. In the magnificent name of your son, we submit this prayer. Amen.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Your Blessing is on the Way!
Remember, there is no sudden leap to greatness. Your success lies in doing, day by day. Your upward reach comes from working well and carefully. Good work done little by little becomes great work. Your house of success will be built brick by brick. A bottle fills drop by drop.Adopt the pace of nature. The secret is patience. ~ Unknown
Scripture:
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who told me that he had interviewed for a job out of state and was expecting that he would be moving by the end of the month. However, he was starting to become a little nervous because he had not heard back from the company even though he had been assured that the job was his.
I knew from earlier conversations that even though he was ready to move, he had quite a few loose ends to tie up before he could actually move. As we talked I explained this to him and included that if in fact he had been notified and told that he would be moving right away, he would become doubly stressed in getting everything he needed to do done in time. Needless to say, he did get the job and he was able to tie up all of his loose ends before the move.
Saints, sometimes even when we know that God is giving us our blessings or that our blessings are on the way, he will put us into a holding pattern because there may be other things that need to be done before we can truly accept His gifts. He knows better than us that sometimes even when we think we are ready, there may still be things to do that can't be left undone.
So Saints I encourage you, to wait on the Lord, because your blessings are on the way.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Father, help us learn to wait on You and to be still and be of good courage. We recognize that sometimes we get impatient and want what we want right now, but we also recognize that sometimes what we want right now isn't always what You want for us. Thank You Father for the wait. For we know that everything is done in Your perfect time and not ours. Father, we ask for new revelations of Your word today. We ask that Your presence be magnified in our lives. Help us Lord, to always keep You in everything that we do and say. Bless Your name Lord. Thank You for the victories that will be won today in Your name. We speak these things as though they were. Praise God Hallelujah, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lamb of God in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who told me that he had interviewed for a job out of state and was expecting that he would be moving by the end of the month. However, he was starting to become a little nervous because he had not heard back from the company even though he had been assured that the job was his.
I knew from earlier conversations that even though he was ready to move, he had quite a few loose ends to tie up before he could actually move. As we talked I explained this to him and included that if in fact he had been notified and told that he would be moving right away, he would become doubly stressed in getting everything he needed to do done in time. Needless to say, he did get the job and he was able to tie up all of his loose ends before the move.
Saints, sometimes even when we know that God is giving us our blessings or that our blessings are on the way, he will put us into a holding pattern because there may be other things that need to be done before we can truly accept His gifts. He knows better than us that sometimes even when we think we are ready, there may still be things to do that can't be left undone.
So Saints I encourage you, to wait on the Lord, because your blessings are on the way.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Father, help us learn to wait on You and to be still and be of good courage. We recognize that sometimes we get impatient and want what we want right now, but we also recognize that sometimes what we want right now isn't always what You want for us. Thank You Father for the wait. For we know that everything is done in Your perfect time and not ours. Father, we ask for new revelations of Your word today. We ask that Your presence be magnified in our lives. Help us Lord, to always keep You in everything that we do and say. Bless Your name Lord. Thank You for the victories that will be won today in Your name. We speak these things as though they were. Praise God Hallelujah, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lamb of God in whose name we pray. Amen.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Listening to the Voice of God
Remember, Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. ~Unknown
Scripture:
"The Steps of a Good Man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way-- Psalms 37:22-24
Saints, do you truly listen to the voice of God? What I mean by that is do you hear Him when He tells you what to do and how to do it? Do you even recognize when it is His voice speaking to you?
How many times have you been in a situation and asked yourself, what am I going to do? How many times have you just spoken a question and the answer just seemed to come to you? How many times have you been caught up in a situation and just didn't know how you where going to get out of it? And suddenly, the problem or the situation seemed to remedy itself.
How many of you study the Word of God on a regular basis? How many of you have heard the statement hide the word of God in your heart? Now this last statement may sound a little strange to you, but there is a reason for this line of questioning.
You see, the word of God serves several functions. It is our roadmap to how to live a Holy life. It is our conscience so that we do not sin. It is our strength and comforter in a time of need. The word of God is our sword to fight against the evil one who seeks to destroy us. It is God himself. "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God."
Saints, each and every one of us needs to learn the word of God. His voice will never lead us astray His word will never return unto us void. He word is our light in a time darkness. He will never fail us.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, may we always hide Your word in our hearts. Father, may we learn to listen and hear Your voice. Father God, help us to learn to be obedient to Your word. Your word, which is the same today, yesterday, and forever word. Your Word, that spoke the world into existence. Your Word, that sooths our souls when nothing else can. We come thanking You today for Your word. We come thanking You today, for Your hedge of protection. We come giving You our love and adoration for all that You do for us and our loved ones. But most of all we thank You for the greatest gift that could ever be given. The gift of Your son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we just want to say thank You for Your word. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
"The Steps of a Good Man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way-- Psalms 37:22-24
Saints, do you truly listen to the voice of God? What I mean by that is do you hear Him when He tells you what to do and how to do it? Do you even recognize when it is His voice speaking to you?
How many times have you been in a situation and asked yourself, what am I going to do? How many times have you just spoken a question and the answer just seemed to come to you? How many times have you been caught up in a situation and just didn't know how you where going to get out of it? And suddenly, the problem or the situation seemed to remedy itself.
How many of you study the Word of God on a regular basis? How many of you have heard the statement hide the word of God in your heart? Now this last statement may sound a little strange to you, but there is a reason for this line of questioning.
You see, the word of God serves several functions. It is our roadmap to how to live a Holy life. It is our conscience so that we do not sin. It is our strength and comforter in a time of need. The word of God is our sword to fight against the evil one who seeks to destroy us. It is God himself. "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God."
Saints, each and every one of us needs to learn the word of God. His voice will never lead us astray His word will never return unto us void. He word is our light in a time darkness. He will never fail us.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, may we always hide Your word in our hearts. Father, may we learn to listen and hear Your voice. Father God, help us to learn to be obedient to Your word. Your word, which is the same today, yesterday, and forever word. Your Word, that spoke the world into existence. Your Word, that sooths our souls when nothing else can. We come thanking You today for Your word. We come thanking You today, for Your hedge of protection. We come giving You our love and adoration for all that You do for us and our loved ones. But most of all we thank You for the greatest gift that could ever be given. The gift of Your son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we just want to say thank You for Your word. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
My Help
Remember, God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them. ~ Aughey
Scripture:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Psalm 121:1
Saints, are you tired and run down? Do you feel like you just can't go any further? Does life keep you running so much that you just can't seem to get any rest? Are you so overwhelmed that you just don't know what to do?
Well, today we have a special offer. All you have to do is get down on your knees, and call the Master. Jesus. For the unbelievable cost of just a prayer, You Can Renew Your Strength.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
If you call right now, you can receive this special offer! Peace, everlasting. Strength to keep on keeping on, and Joy unspeakable.
So pick up the phone right now! Jesus is on the main line. Call him up!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, we come once again seeking Your face. We come asking for Your help to make it through yet another day. Father God, we ask that You continue to touch our prayer list. Help us lord to be mindful that You are our strength and that we can do all things through Christ Jesus. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. I call out to the Lord. He is worthy of praise. He saves me from my enemies. The Lord lives! Give praise to my Rock! Give honor to God, the Rock! He is my Savior! Lord, we come once again singing songs of praise. Lord, we honor You because You are who You said You are. You are the rock of my salvation. You are my strength. You are my salvation. You are the one and only true God! Thank You Lord for saving me. Father, Abba, Great Jehovah, You are known by many names, but no matter which name we call on, You will answer. Thank You Lord, for answering prayer. No my Lord, we ask that You would continue to do great things in our lives. The world today is ruled by a spirit of darkness. Lord, we ask that we, Your saints, would become those lights that guide others home to You. Father, may something that we do this day, or something that we say this day, be a blessing unto someone else. May we always hide Your word in our hearts. But more importantly, may we always allow Your word and the Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do and say. Now Lord, Bless us, Keep us, Protect us, Strengthen us. Lord, we could never thank You enough for our blessings. But we say thank You anyhow. We could never express just how much we love You, but we say we love You anyhow. We could never be worthy of Your grace and mercy. But we thank You for giving us those gifts anyhow. Thank You Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Glory to God. Amen.
Scripture:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Psalm 121:1
Saints, are you tired and run down? Do you feel like you just can't go any further? Does life keep you running so much that you just can't seem to get any rest? Are you so overwhelmed that you just don't know what to do?
Well, today we have a special offer. All you have to do is get down on your knees, and call the Master. Jesus. For the unbelievable cost of just a prayer, You Can Renew Your Strength.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
If you call right now, you can receive this special offer! Peace, everlasting. Strength to keep on keeping on, and Joy unspeakable.
So pick up the phone right now! Jesus is on the main line. Call him up!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, we come once again seeking Your face. We come asking for Your help to make it through yet another day. Father God, we ask that You continue to touch our prayer list. Help us lord to be mindful that You are our strength and that we can do all things through Christ Jesus. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. I call out to the Lord. He is worthy of praise. He saves me from my enemies. The Lord lives! Give praise to my Rock! Give honor to God, the Rock! He is my Savior! Lord, we come once again singing songs of praise. Lord, we honor You because You are who You said You are. You are the rock of my salvation. You are my strength. You are my salvation. You are the one and only true God! Thank You Lord for saving me. Father, Abba, Great Jehovah, You are known by many names, but no matter which name we call on, You will answer. Thank You Lord, for answering prayer. No my Lord, we ask that You would continue to do great things in our lives. The world today is ruled by a spirit of darkness. Lord, we ask that we, Your saints, would become those lights that guide others home to You. Father, may something that we do this day, or something that we say this day, be a blessing unto someone else. May we always hide Your word in our hearts. But more importantly, may we always allow Your word and the Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do and say. Now Lord, Bless us, Keep us, Protect us, Strengthen us. Lord, we could never thank You enough for our blessings. But we say thank You anyhow. We could never express just how much we love You, but we say we love You anyhow. We could never be worthy of Your grace and mercy. But we thank You for giving us those gifts anyhow. Thank You Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Glory to God. Amen.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
He's after Our Children
Remember, each day we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. ~ Charles Swindoll
Scripture:
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father , the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:1-2 & 11-12
Saints, lately I have noticed an increase in the number of children who are rebelling against their parent’s upbringing. My oldest son included. The older children are talking back, doing what they want, and thinking that what ever they say or whatever they want goes. The younger children, well, for the most part they are all being disobedient.
As a single parent trying to raise two sons, one being a young adult, I often felt that it would be easier to just give in to him rather than fight him every day. But as a mother who loves her children very much, I refuse to let satan have my sons. As a result, the battles between my oldest and I increase.
Saints, I am here to tell you it is our responsibility as parents to raise our children according to the word of God and not according to the standards of the world. Our children our not our own but, rather gifts from God whom we must raise according to His standards and not the world’s.
Today I saw the fruits of my labor manifested. My oldest son graduate from high school today and it was one of the proudest moments of my life. You see, my son was already a year behind when he got expelled from school for an entire year. He got in trouble with the law and it seemed as though he was heading down the wrong road in life. However, I never gave up on him and I let him know that his behavior was unacceptable.
It was a year fraught with almost daily battles, tears, yelling and screaming, but most of all, days full of prayer. Today, God answered my prayers. As I watched my son walk across that stage this evening, I noticed a new sense of maturity and confidence that I hadn’t noticed before. What I saw as I cried tears of joy, was God blessing me in the best way possible, through my son. My son, whom I had fought with and fought for. My son whom I refuse to let go to satan walked for me and for the Lord today.
Today I watched as God answered my prayers. Ain’t that good news!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus, give faith and confidence to the ones who read these words, so that they will want to reach out their hands to their friends and pray that pain, despair, and sickness will be healed. Give them wisdom to know best how to pray, fill their prayers with the faith that heals and their hands with the power that gives life and comfort. Thank You Lord for our children. Please grant us eyes to see the greatness in our children. Please give us the ears to hear Your love for us in our children. Allow us to experience Your presence in our homes and in the lives of those You have entrusted in our care. Thank You Lord for those precious gifts. Cover our children in the Blood of the lamb, so that when they our far from our sight, they are always under Your wings of protection. Grant us the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to love our children enough to teach them discipline. We love You Lord, and submit our prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father , the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:1-2 & 11-12
Saints, lately I have noticed an increase in the number of children who are rebelling against their parent’s upbringing. My oldest son included. The older children are talking back, doing what they want, and thinking that what ever they say or whatever they want goes. The younger children, well, for the most part they are all being disobedient.
As a single parent trying to raise two sons, one being a young adult, I often felt that it would be easier to just give in to him rather than fight him every day. But as a mother who loves her children very much, I refuse to let satan have my sons. As a result, the battles between my oldest and I increase.
Saints, I am here to tell you it is our responsibility as parents to raise our children according to the word of God and not according to the standards of the world. Our children our not our own but, rather gifts from God whom we must raise according to His standards and not the world’s.
Today I saw the fruits of my labor manifested. My oldest son graduate from high school today and it was one of the proudest moments of my life. You see, my son was already a year behind when he got expelled from school for an entire year. He got in trouble with the law and it seemed as though he was heading down the wrong road in life. However, I never gave up on him and I let him know that his behavior was unacceptable.
It was a year fraught with almost daily battles, tears, yelling and screaming, but most of all, days full of prayer. Today, God answered my prayers. As I watched my son walk across that stage this evening, I noticed a new sense of maturity and confidence that I hadn’t noticed before. What I saw as I cried tears of joy, was God blessing me in the best way possible, through my son. My son, whom I had fought with and fought for. My son whom I refuse to let go to satan walked for me and for the Lord today.
Today I watched as God answered my prayers. Ain’t that good news!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus, give faith and confidence to the ones who read these words, so that they will want to reach out their hands to their friends and pray that pain, despair, and sickness will be healed. Give them wisdom to know best how to pray, fill their prayers with the faith that heals and their hands with the power that gives life and comfort. Thank You Lord for our children. Please grant us eyes to see the greatness in our children. Please give us the ears to hear Your love for us in our children. Allow us to experience Your presence in our homes and in the lives of those You have entrusted in our care. Thank You Lord for those precious gifts. Cover our children in the Blood of the lamb, so that when they our far from our sight, they are always under Your wings of protection. Grant us the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to love our children enough to teach them discipline. We love You Lord, and submit our prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Do Not be Afraid
Remember, Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ~ Sir Winston Churchill
Scripture:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
So often when we are faced with life altering choices, we become paralyzed with fear. It is a part of human nature to fear the unknown. We sometimes fear not having a mate and being alone. We fear leaving a job we hate, believing that we may not find another. Sometimes we even fear the things that may ultimately be a blessing.
During my lifetime, I had to learn to overcome my fears. When my marriage fell apart, I didn’t think I would be able to take care of myself and my children, but I did. When I lost my job and looked for months before I found another, I stressed each and everyday that I was out of work.
One day I realized that no matter what I was going through, God was right there with me. During those nights when I cried myself to sleep after my marriage failed, God was there to wipe away my tears and He continued to provide for my children and me. Even when I was out of work, my children and I still had a roof over our heads and food on the table. I became aware of the fact that stress couldn’t to resolve my problems, only God could.
The one thing that each and every one of us has to remember is, fear can be paralyzing, but faith can set you free.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Oh kind and gracious and merciful Father, we come before the throne of grace, as humbly as we know how. We lift up our eyes unto the heavens from which all of our blessings flow. Father, we know that we are not worthy of fresh grace, but You give it to us anyone. We know that somewhere along the way we have sinned, but You forgave us anyway. We know that sometimes we disappoint You, but You love us anyway. Thank You Father that You love and forgive me despite me. Father we come standing in the gap this morning for our fellow saints, for our family members, and for our friends. So many need so much, but we know that there is nothing too hard for God. Continue to touch, bless, anoint and heal those saints among us who are afflicted. Keep us all just a little closer to You this day and give us the wisdom to choose the right seeds for our gardens. Now Lord we pause to praise You. We give thanks to You this day, we magnify and uplift Your most holy name. We ask and pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
So often when we are faced with life altering choices, we become paralyzed with fear. It is a part of human nature to fear the unknown. We sometimes fear not having a mate and being alone. We fear leaving a job we hate, believing that we may not find another. Sometimes we even fear the things that may ultimately be a blessing.
During my lifetime, I had to learn to overcome my fears. When my marriage fell apart, I didn’t think I would be able to take care of myself and my children, but I did. When I lost my job and looked for months before I found another, I stressed each and everyday that I was out of work.
One day I realized that no matter what I was going through, God was right there with me. During those nights when I cried myself to sleep after my marriage failed, God was there to wipe away my tears and He continued to provide for my children and me. Even when I was out of work, my children and I still had a roof over our heads and food on the table. I became aware of the fact that stress couldn’t to resolve my problems, only God could.
The one thing that each and every one of us has to remember is, fear can be paralyzing, but faith can set you free.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Oh kind and gracious and merciful Father, we come before the throne of grace, as humbly as we know how. We lift up our eyes unto the heavens from which all of our blessings flow. Father, we know that we are not worthy of fresh grace, but You give it to us anyone. We know that somewhere along the way we have sinned, but You forgave us anyway. We know that sometimes we disappoint You, but You love us anyway. Thank You Father that You love and forgive me despite me. Father we come standing in the gap this morning for our fellow saints, for our family members, and for our friends. So many need so much, but we know that there is nothing too hard for God. Continue to touch, bless, anoint and heal those saints among us who are afflicted. Keep us all just a little closer to You this day and give us the wisdom to choose the right seeds for our gardens. Now Lord we pause to praise You. We give thanks to You this day, we magnify and uplift Your most holy name. We ask and pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
