Tuesday, November 30, 2010
It's All In Divine Order
Remember, Whenever I feel that I am confused or that my life is in disorder, I remember these words from the book of Proverbs: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart ... In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths."These simple words reaffirm what I know in my heart is true: He is always with me, enfolding me in love and assuring me that all is in divine order. Divine order is His plan for me. Relying on my Higher Power calms my thoughts. I feel secure because I know that He will lead me to the people and events which will contribute to my spiritual growth and fulfillment. All is in divine order because He is the order that supports and surrounds me. ~ unknown
Scripture:
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (New International Version)
Saints of God, so often we give pause and reflect on the direction our lives are headed in. We seem to be moving right along through life, when something or someone happens to derail us from our chosen course. Well Saints of God, I am here to tell you; “It’s all in Divine Order.”
The job or career that you have chosen hasn’t worked out the way you thought it would. The house you wanted so much to buy was bought by someone else. The man or woman that you thought you were going to marry marries someone else. The dreams and goals that you had in life seem to have fallen by the wayside. I just want to tell you, “It’s all in Divine Order.”
So often the things that we want in life aren’t the things that God wants for us. The path that we ourselves have chosen isn’t necessarily the road that God wants us to travel. Even the person we thought we would spend the rest of our lives with, aren’t inevitably the person we are supposed to be yoked with.
Too often we go through life trying to do everything on our own without seeking a word from God. We set our sights on things that may turn out to be detrimental to our overall well being. We even fall in love with people who we will give our all to, but who themselves aren’t capable of loving us the way God wants them to love us.
I say all this to say, that no matter what obstacles are in your way. It doesn’t matter if your heart has been broken, that you lost your job, or that you are not at the place in your life you think you should be. “It’s all in Divine Order.
Sometimes things have to be the way they are because your plan for your life isn’t God’s plan for your life. Learn to be still, listen for His still small voice, and realize;
That’s it’s All in Divine Order!
Be blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come once again with praises on our tongues and humility in our hearts, seeking Your face, Your grace and Your mercy. Lord, forgive us for doubting You when the things in our lives are not going according to our plans. We realize that everything that we want isn’t necessarily what You want for us. Help us to recognize the bad choices that we have made in our lives, correct them accept them and move on. Help us Father, to find our way. Lord, we pray ask for a spirit of discernment so that we can recognize when our will is not inline with Yours. Help us to remember to always seek you in everything that we do, before we make life altering choices and to be still in the midst of our storms. Thank you Father, for reminding us that You have provided the way out of darkness and into the light. Your Word and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Our Redeemer. It is in His name that we humbly submit our prayers. Amen.
Scripture:
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (New International Version)
Saints of God, so often we give pause and reflect on the direction our lives are headed in. We seem to be moving right along through life, when something or someone happens to derail us from our chosen course. Well Saints of God, I am here to tell you; “It’s all in Divine Order.”
The job or career that you have chosen hasn’t worked out the way you thought it would. The house you wanted so much to buy was bought by someone else. The man or woman that you thought you were going to marry marries someone else. The dreams and goals that you had in life seem to have fallen by the wayside. I just want to tell you, “It’s all in Divine Order.”
So often the things that we want in life aren’t the things that God wants for us. The path that we ourselves have chosen isn’t necessarily the road that God wants us to travel. Even the person we thought we would spend the rest of our lives with, aren’t inevitably the person we are supposed to be yoked with.
Too often we go through life trying to do everything on our own without seeking a word from God. We set our sights on things that may turn out to be detrimental to our overall well being. We even fall in love with people who we will give our all to, but who themselves aren’t capable of loving us the way God wants them to love us.
I say all this to say, that no matter what obstacles are in your way. It doesn’t matter if your heart has been broken, that you lost your job, or that you are not at the place in your life you think you should be. “It’s all in Divine Order.
Sometimes things have to be the way they are because your plan for your life isn’t God’s plan for your life. Learn to be still, listen for His still small voice, and realize;
That’s it’s All in Divine Order!
Be blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come once again with praises on our tongues and humility in our hearts, seeking Your face, Your grace and Your mercy. Lord, forgive us for doubting You when the things in our lives are not going according to our plans. We realize that everything that we want isn’t necessarily what You want for us. Help us to recognize the bad choices that we have made in our lives, correct them accept them and move on. Help us Father, to find our way. Lord, we pray ask for a spirit of discernment so that we can recognize when our will is not inline with Yours. Help us to remember to always seek you in everything that we do, before we make life altering choices and to be still in the midst of our storms. Thank you Father, for reminding us that You have provided the way out of darkness and into the light. Your Word and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Our Redeemer. It is in His name that we humbly submit our prayers. Amen.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Waiting on my Miracle
Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. ~ John Quincy Adams
Scripture:We have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known. Psalm 106:6-8 (New International Version)
When I was a child, I believed in miracles. I believed that anything could happen and it usually did. I saw them all the time. I experienced the perfect day, the joy and laughter of playing with family and friends. I knew the comfort and love that comes from being around those who cared and about and for me. Now, I often wonder; what happened? When did I stop believing that dreams really do come true?
I now realize that they went away when I grew up. My vision became tainted by all the bad things I saw and as the trust I had in those around me become battered and broken. Even today, it amazes me how innocent the world through the eyes of a child can be. The stages of life have a way of tarnishing our vision.
I can only imagine how painful it must have been for our forbearers, Adam and Eve to realize that because of deceit and curiosity, they too had lost that childlike innocence. I’m not sure if they too gave up on believing in miracles as the world around them became tainted by the things they now saw and had to endure.
It wasn’t until I grew older and developed a relationship with Christ Jesus that I began to realize that even though the world around me had changed, there was still hope. Hope in Christ Jesus. Now the only difference was that instead of miracles happening around me every day, I had to learn to be patient and to persevere in my well doing.
The Lord, our Father has told us time and time again, that this is not his world. Satan has made sure of that. However, for those of us who still believe in the power of faith, miracles can and will still happen. If you can believe it, you can receive it. Your Miracle is on the way.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the mercy seat asking today for our miracles and breakthroughs. So often we lose sight of the fact that our hope and desires do not lay in the hands of those around us, but rather our hope lies in Christ Jesus. Help us Lord to see You through the eyes of a child. A child who is totally dependant on their Father to provide all things. Father God, we come seeking Your face and depending on You for those miracles that are needed in our lives. Some have lost faith because they were depending on the wrong things. Material things that man provides and not those Godly things that You have already promised us in Your word. Help me Lord, to always look toward the hills of heaven from which cometh my help. It is on Christ the solid rock I stand. It is on Your word that I stand. It is by faith I will walk and it by grace I will be blessed. Thank You Father, for all things. But I thank You most of all for redemption through Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His name I pray. Amen.
Scripture:We have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known. Psalm 106:6-8 (New International Version)
When I was a child, I believed in miracles. I believed that anything could happen and it usually did. I saw them all the time. I experienced the perfect day, the joy and laughter of playing with family and friends. I knew the comfort and love that comes from being around those who cared and about and for me. Now, I often wonder; what happened? When did I stop believing that dreams really do come true?
I now realize that they went away when I grew up. My vision became tainted by all the bad things I saw and as the trust I had in those around me become battered and broken. Even today, it amazes me how innocent the world through the eyes of a child can be. The stages of life have a way of tarnishing our vision.
I can only imagine how painful it must have been for our forbearers, Adam and Eve to realize that because of deceit and curiosity, they too had lost that childlike innocence. I’m not sure if they too gave up on believing in miracles as the world around them became tainted by the things they now saw and had to endure.
It wasn’t until I grew older and developed a relationship with Christ Jesus that I began to realize that even though the world around me had changed, there was still hope. Hope in Christ Jesus. Now the only difference was that instead of miracles happening around me every day, I had to learn to be patient and to persevere in my well doing.
The Lord, our Father has told us time and time again, that this is not his world. Satan has made sure of that. However, for those of us who still believe in the power of faith, miracles can and will still happen. If you can believe it, you can receive it. Your Miracle is on the way.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the mercy seat asking today for our miracles and breakthroughs. So often we lose sight of the fact that our hope and desires do not lay in the hands of those around us, but rather our hope lies in Christ Jesus. Help us Lord to see You through the eyes of a child. A child who is totally dependant on their Father to provide all things. Father God, we come seeking Your face and depending on You for those miracles that are needed in our lives. Some have lost faith because they were depending on the wrong things. Material things that man provides and not those Godly things that You have already promised us in Your word. Help me Lord, to always look toward the hills of heaven from which cometh my help. It is on Christ the solid rock I stand. It is on Your word that I stand. It is by faith I will walk and it by grace I will be blessed. Thank You Father, for all things. But I thank You most of all for redemption through Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His name I pray. Amen.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
When Hope Touches Your Hand
We must accept finite disappointment but we must never lose infinite hope.
Scripture:
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.
MY SOUL IS DOWNCAST WITHIN ME; THEREFORE I WILL REMEMBER YOU FROM THE LAND OF THE JORDAN, THE HEIGHTS OF HERMON—FROM MOUNT MIZAR. PSALM 42:5-6 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)
2010 has been a year full of disappointments for me and so many others around me. Plans that were put into motion in years past did not come to fruition or bear the fruits I had hoped for. Instead, I often find myself standing before closed doors. Now some of these doors I closed myself while others were closed in my face; causing me heartbreak. You see, friends whom I had always counted on being there for me suddenly disappeared leaving a gaping hole were loved and trust once resided.
On a recent trip out of state, I was reminded once again of what I had lost. I wanted to call one of these friends to say hello, but was sadly cognizant of the fact that the dynamics of what we once shared stood behind one of these closed doors. I went to bed that night with despair and a sense of hopelessness covering me and weighing me down like a wet blanket.
As I lay there caught between the world of sleep and lucidness, I felt the tiniest touch of a finger to my hand, startling me awake. As I abruptly sat up in bed, I realized that I alone occupied the room. Suddenly, a still small voice from within whispered “God never closes one door without opening a window.”
So often when we feel overwhelmed by how things are not going as planned, we have a tendency to want to give up on our dreams and goals and yes, they may even cause us to temporarily lose hope.
No matter how dismal things may sometimes seem, we must always be mindful to put our hope in God.
Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
Scripture:
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.
MY SOUL IS DOWNCAST WITHIN ME; THEREFORE I WILL REMEMBER YOU FROM THE LAND OF THE JORDAN, THE HEIGHTS OF HERMON—FROM MOUNT MIZAR. PSALM 42:5-6 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)
2010 has been a year full of disappointments for me and so many others around me. Plans that were put into motion in years past did not come to fruition or bear the fruits I had hoped for. Instead, I often find myself standing before closed doors. Now some of these doors I closed myself while others were closed in my face; causing me heartbreak. You see, friends whom I had always counted on being there for me suddenly disappeared leaving a gaping hole were loved and trust once resided.
On a recent trip out of state, I was reminded once again of what I had lost. I wanted to call one of these friends to say hello, but was sadly cognizant of the fact that the dynamics of what we once shared stood behind one of these closed doors. I went to bed that night with despair and a sense of hopelessness covering me and weighing me down like a wet blanket.
As I lay there caught between the world of sleep and lucidness, I felt the tiniest touch of a finger to my hand, startling me awake. As I abruptly sat up in bed, I realized that I alone occupied the room. Suddenly, a still small voice from within whispered “God never closes one door without opening a window.”
So often when we feel overwhelmed by how things are not going as planned, we have a tendency to want to give up on our dreams and goals and yes, they may even cause us to temporarily lose hope.
No matter how dismal things may sometimes seem, we must always be mindful to put our hope in God.
Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
We must accept finite disappointment but we must never lose infinite hope.
Scripture:
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.
MY SOUL IS DOWNCAST WITHIN ME; THEREFORE I WILL REMEMBER YOU FROM THE LAND OF THE JORDAN, THE HEIGHTS OF HERMON—FROM MOUNT MIZAR. PSALM 42:5-6 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)
2010 has been a year full of disappointments for me and so many of my others around me. Plans that were put into motion in years past did not come to fruition or bear the fruits I had hoped for. Instead, I often find myself standing before closed doors. Now some of these doors I closed myself while others were closed in my face; causing me heartbreak. You see, friends whom I had always counted on being there for me suddenly disappeared leaving a gaping hole were loved and trust once resided.
On a recent trip out of state, I was reminded once again of what I had lost. I wanted to call one of these friends to say hello, but was sadly cognizant of the fact that the dynamics of what we once shared stood behind one of these closed doors. I went to bed that night with despair and a sense of hopelessness covering me and weighing me down like a wet blanket.
As I lay there caught between the world of sleep and lucidness, I felt the tiniest touch of a finger to my hand, startling me awake. As I abruptly sat up in bed, I realized that I alone occupied the room. Suddenly, a still small voice from within whispered “God never closes one door without opening a window.”
So often when we feel overwhelmed by how things are not going as planned, we have a tendency to want to give up on our dreams and goals and yes, they may even cause us to temporarily lose hope.
No matter how dismal things may sometimes seem, we must always be mindful to put our hope in God.
Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
Scripture:
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.
MY SOUL IS DOWNCAST WITHIN ME; THEREFORE I WILL REMEMBER YOU FROM THE LAND OF THE JORDAN, THE HEIGHTS OF HERMON—FROM MOUNT MIZAR. PSALM 42:5-6 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)
2010 has been a year full of disappointments for me and so many of my others around me. Plans that were put into motion in years past did not come to fruition or bear the fruits I had hoped for. Instead, I often find myself standing before closed doors. Now some of these doors I closed myself while others were closed in my face; causing me heartbreak. You see, friends whom I had always counted on being there for me suddenly disappeared leaving a gaping hole were loved and trust once resided.
On a recent trip out of state, I was reminded once again of what I had lost. I wanted to call one of these friends to say hello, but was sadly cognizant of the fact that the dynamics of what we once shared stood behind one of these closed doors. I went to bed that night with despair and a sense of hopelessness covering me and weighing me down like a wet blanket.
As I lay there caught between the world of sleep and lucidness, I felt the tiniest touch of a finger to my hand, startling me awake. As I abruptly sat up in bed, I realized that I alone occupied the room. Suddenly, a still small voice from within whispered “God never closes one door without opening a window.”
So often when we feel overwhelmed by how things are not going as planned, we have a tendency to want to give up on our dreams and goals and yes, they may even cause us to temporarily lose hope.
No matter how dismal things may sometimes seem, we must always be mindful to put our hope in God.
Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Overcoming Our Fears
Remember, Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God, no matter what the danger. ~Anonymous
Scripture:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3 (New International Version)
What are you afraid of? Many of us fear either the emotional or physical pain something may cause. The problem is these emotions and feeling affect the way we live our lives. We may fear doing certain things because we think we might fail.
Some may be afraid to trust, or love someone because of a past experience. Others may be afraid to trust in their abilities and God given talents; settling for mediocrity. Still others may fear the simple act of interacting with people for fear of rejection. Secretly, we all fear something.
Life is full of unexplored options. Many of us will never reach our full potentials because we allow fear to hold us hostage. We will often fail to choose the road less traveled because we are horrified of the prospect of the unexpected. Our view of the world is often tainted by our fears.
I live in Detroit, Michigan, a city that has often been defined as the murder capital of the world. Many people fear venturing into the city because of this perception. What they fail to realize is that there is danger everywhere. Even in their nice little suburban towns. The key is always being aware of your surroundings and acting accordingly. Because of their fears, they are missing out on a lot of wonderful things that our great city has to offer. The same rule applies no matter where you live.
Understand that fear is an instrument of the devil. He wants us to be afraid. When we express fear, in essence we are saying we don’t trust God. The word of God tells us; Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. It doesn’t say; be scared, hide out don’t live your life. Saint of God, trust in the Lord. Be diligent.
Learn to feed your faith and starve your fears.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, there is so much in this world to fear. There is death and destruction all around me and I have been hurt by those that I have loved. Teach me Lord, to feed my faith and starve my fears. Help me Lord, to develop a spirit of discernment. Help me to see the tricks and lies of the evil one who seeks to destroy me. Father, teach me to trust in the gifts that You have given me so that I can become all that You want me to be. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Thank You Lord, for protecting me even when I didn’t realize that I was in danger. Continue to hide us Lord, under the wings of Your Salvation. Lord, we thank You, we praise You and we uplift Your Holy Name. Father God, we humbly submit our prayers in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3 (New International Version)
What are you afraid of? Many of us fear either the emotional or physical pain something may cause. The problem is these emotions and feeling affect the way we live our lives. We may fear doing certain things because we think we might fail.
Some may be afraid to trust, or love someone because of a past experience. Others may be afraid to trust in their abilities and God given talents; settling for mediocrity. Still others may fear the simple act of interacting with people for fear of rejection. Secretly, we all fear something.
Life is full of unexplored options. Many of us will never reach our full potentials because we allow fear to hold us hostage. We will often fail to choose the road less traveled because we are horrified of the prospect of the unexpected. Our view of the world is often tainted by our fears.
I live in Detroit, Michigan, a city that has often been defined as the murder capital of the world. Many people fear venturing into the city because of this perception. What they fail to realize is that there is danger everywhere. Even in their nice little suburban towns. The key is always being aware of your surroundings and acting accordingly. Because of their fears, they are missing out on a lot of wonderful things that our great city has to offer. The same rule applies no matter where you live.
Understand that fear is an instrument of the devil. He wants us to be afraid. When we express fear, in essence we are saying we don’t trust God. The word of God tells us; Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. It doesn’t say; be scared, hide out don’t live your life. Saint of God, trust in the Lord. Be diligent.
Learn to feed your faith and starve your fears.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, there is so much in this world to fear. There is death and destruction all around me and I have been hurt by those that I have loved. Teach me Lord, to feed my faith and starve my fears. Help me Lord, to develop a spirit of discernment. Help me to see the tricks and lies of the evil one who seeks to destroy me. Father, teach me to trust in the gifts that You have given me so that I can become all that You want me to be. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Thank You Lord, for protecting me even when I didn’t realize that I was in danger. Continue to hide us Lord, under the wings of Your Salvation. Lord, we thank You, we praise You and we uplift Your Holy Name. Father God, we humbly submit our prayers in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Take the Limits Off!
The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow are the buts you use today. ~ Les Brown
Scripture:
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:4-6 (New International Version)
A few months ago, I had an eye-opening experience. I went on my very first cruise and I went by myself. Now just about everyone who heard this thought I was crazy and or foolish by going on a trip of this magnitude and no one was accompanying me.
Now to clarify, I did seek a cabin mate but no one was available. At first and even up to the point that I actually boarded the ship, I was scared. I started thinking that everyone had been right and that maybe I was making a mistake. I wouldn’t know anybody onboard and I would be miserable and all alone. However, they couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I was actually cruising with a group called “Cruising for Christ.” I had been invited by Kendra Norman-Bellamy who is a fellow Christian author and the group was primarily made up of fellow Christian artists. There were authors, musicians, comedians, mimes and many more onboard who were a part of the group. When I say I was BLESSED, mere words cannot describe just how much.
Today’s message was birthed on this anointed cruise. Pastor Keith Edmonds, or it could have been his identical twin Brother Karl Edmonds, who both happen to be ministers and mimes, spoke this powerful word into my spirit. They reminded that it is each of us who limits ourselves. We hinder our own progress through lack of faith, obedience and confidence; the same faith and confidence that gives us all authority and power in Christ Jesus.
We limit our journey in this life by talking ourselves out of what we can do and accomplish. We talk ourselves out of God’s blessings by stating that what we see as impossible. We miss out on blessings because they are not packaged the way we think they should look.
Saints of God, the word tells us that all things, not some things, but all things are possible with God!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come seeking Your grace and Your counsel once again. Lord, help us to remove the limits we have placed on our own lives. Help us to see the plans and designs that You have for each of our lives. When satan tells us we can’t, remind us that Your word says we can do ALL things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. Touch us Lord, as we pause and meditate on Your word. Father, we pause to give thanks for keeping us once again. We know that we are here only because of You. We are blessed, not because of who we are but because of who's we are. Thank You Lord, that You loved us that much. Touch us Lord, for we need You right now. Father, help each and every one of us to be mindful to put on the whole armor of God, for we are still in the midst of a spiritual battle. Protect us Lord, guide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come give You our thanks. We come praising and uplift Your Holy Name. We love You Lord. As we ask and pray these things in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:4-6 (New International Version)
A few months ago, I had an eye-opening experience. I went on my very first cruise and I went by myself. Now just about everyone who heard this thought I was crazy and or foolish by going on a trip of this magnitude and no one was accompanying me.
Now to clarify, I did seek a cabin mate but no one was available. At first and even up to the point that I actually boarded the ship, I was scared. I started thinking that everyone had been right and that maybe I was making a mistake. I wouldn’t know anybody onboard and I would be miserable and all alone. However, they couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I was actually cruising with a group called “Cruising for Christ.” I had been invited by Kendra Norman-Bellamy who is a fellow Christian author and the group was primarily made up of fellow Christian artists. There were authors, musicians, comedians, mimes and many more onboard who were a part of the group. When I say I was BLESSED, mere words cannot describe just how much.
Today’s message was birthed on this anointed cruise. Pastor Keith Edmonds, or it could have been his identical twin Brother Karl Edmonds, who both happen to be ministers and mimes, spoke this powerful word into my spirit. They reminded that it is each of us who limits ourselves. We hinder our own progress through lack of faith, obedience and confidence; the same faith and confidence that gives us all authority and power in Christ Jesus.
We limit our journey in this life by talking ourselves out of what we can do and accomplish. We talk ourselves out of God’s blessings by stating that what we see as impossible. We miss out on blessings because they are not packaged the way we think they should look.
Saints of God, the word tells us that all things, not some things, but all things are possible with God!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come seeking Your grace and Your counsel once again. Lord, help us to remove the limits we have placed on our own lives. Help us to see the plans and designs that You have for each of our lives. When satan tells us we can’t, remind us that Your word says we can do ALL things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. Touch us Lord, as we pause and meditate on Your word. Father, we pause to give thanks for keeping us once again. We know that we are here only because of You. We are blessed, not because of who we are but because of who's we are. Thank You Lord, that You loved us that much. Touch us Lord, for we need You right now. Father, help each and every one of us to be mindful to put on the whole armor of God, for we are still in the midst of a spiritual battle. Protect us Lord, guide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come give You our thanks. We come praising and uplift Your Holy Name. We love You Lord. As we ask and pray these things in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Roadblocks
Remember, when reaching obstacles and hurdles, JUMP! ~ unknown
Scripture:
Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD , whose word I raise- Psalm 56:1-3
Saints, have you ever been driving along and ran into a roadblock? You were forced to go in another direction and sometimes you got lost? You had no clue where you were or how to get back on the right road?
That's how our spiritual walk is sometimes. Things will happen to block our way. We have certain plans for our lives. We may have decided that things were going to be done a certain way, then something happens to change our plans. We were so set on doing things our way, we weren't prepared to do anything different and become lost and confused.
Well saints, I know how you can get back on the right road. It's a map called the Book of Life. It is the word of God. The bible. It is our spiritual roadmap for this world.
So when you find yourself lost and confused, pull out your map, and find your way home.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come as humbly as we can to give You the glory, the honor and the praise. Thank You Lord, for keeping us one more day. Father, we thank You for Your word. Your word, that teaches us, keeps us, renews us and guides us. We come thanking You this morning for the family of God. You have blessed us, O God, with the gift of friendship, the bonding of persons in a circle of love. We thank You for such a blessing: for friends who love us, who share our sorrows, who laugh with us in celebration, who bear our pain, who need us as we need them, who weep as we weep, who hold us when words fail, and who give us the freedom to be ourselves. Bless our friends with health, wholeness, life, and love. Lord, so many of our loved ones have been stricken with cancer. We come asking for an extra portion of Your grace and mercy today. Touch them now Lord Jesus. Strengthen them, comfort them, but most of all heal their bodies and their spirits. We thank You right now for our breakthroughs that are on the way. We thank You right now for our blessings that our on the way. We love You Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD , whose word I raise- Psalm 56:1-3
Saints, have you ever been driving along and ran into a roadblock? You were forced to go in another direction and sometimes you got lost? You had no clue where you were or how to get back on the right road?
That's how our spiritual walk is sometimes. Things will happen to block our way. We have certain plans for our lives. We may have decided that things were going to be done a certain way, then something happens to change our plans. We were so set on doing things our way, we weren't prepared to do anything different and become lost and confused.
Well saints, I know how you can get back on the right road. It's a map called the Book of Life. It is the word of God. The bible. It is our spiritual roadmap for this world.
So when you find yourself lost and confused, pull out your map, and find your way home.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we come as humbly as we can to give You the glory, the honor and the praise. Thank You Lord, for keeping us one more day. Father, we thank You for Your word. Your word, that teaches us, keeps us, renews us and guides us. We come thanking You this morning for the family of God. You have blessed us, O God, with the gift of friendship, the bonding of persons in a circle of love. We thank You for such a blessing: for friends who love us, who share our sorrows, who laugh with us in celebration, who bear our pain, who need us as we need them, who weep as we weep, who hold us when words fail, and who give us the freedom to be ourselves. Bless our friends with health, wholeness, life, and love. Lord, so many of our loved ones have been stricken with cancer. We come asking for an extra portion of Your grace and mercy today. Touch them now Lord Jesus. Strengthen them, comfort them, but most of all heal their bodies and their spirits. We thank You right now for our breakthroughs that are on the way. We thank You right now for our blessings that our on the way. We love You Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Character Really Does Matter
Remember, When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. When character is lost, everything is lost. ~ Billy Graham.
Scripture:
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 (New King James Version)
What is character? Webster defines it as, one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual. As a writer, one of the things that I have learned to do is define the traits of my characters. I do this by examining various things about them and establishing what roles they will play in the telling of my stories.
It takes all kinds of characters to create a story. There will be good and bad characters and even the good characters will have what is known as character flaws; you know the things that make them human. Some of those character flaws might include; arrogance, dishonesty, short-temperedness, or the need to always be right.
They might be a perfectionist, nit-picky or maybe they always need to play the victim and blame the other guy. They might be selfish, miserly, stubborn, rigid or inflexible, narrow-minded, vain, prideful, or simply humorless; unable to laugh at themselves.
When you study ethics, you learn that there are six pillars of character. The Six Pillars of Character are ethical values to guide our choices. They are; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. The standards of conduct that arise out of those values constitute the ground rules of ethics, and therefore of ethical decision-making.
In the above scripture we learn that as Christians, we will have trials and tribulations that will help us to develop our characters. So often the lessons learned will be painful. Albeit, necessary. It is in the development of our character that we realize that there is hope and that hope, does not disappoint.
So my friends rejoice in your trials and tribulations because character does matter.
Be blessed.
Prayer:
Father God, so often the lessons of life can be painful. They will often cause us heartache and pain. However, we realize that in everything that we go through, it is for our benefit. Without character development, we might never know the love of God. We realize that sometimes it is necessary for life to squeeze out those character flaws. We sometimes look around us at the world and wonder, why are things so wrong? How can people do some of the things that they do? We realize that there is no hope and people will do strange things out of desperation. Lord, we thank You for the hope that has been given to us through Christ Jesus. We thank You for Your word that constantly encourages us and gives is the wisdom and the strength we need to change our ways. Lord, so many are going through so much and we just want to ask that Your grace and mercy would rain down into the lives of Your Saints who need just a drop to refresh them and give them strength. Continue to bless all of Yours this day. In the mighty Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 (New King James Version)
What is character? Webster defines it as, one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual. As a writer, one of the things that I have learned to do is define the traits of my characters. I do this by examining various things about them and establishing what roles they will play in the telling of my stories.
It takes all kinds of characters to create a story. There will be good and bad characters and even the good characters will have what is known as character flaws; you know the things that make them human. Some of those character flaws might include; arrogance, dishonesty, short-temperedness, or the need to always be right.
They might be a perfectionist, nit-picky or maybe they always need to play the victim and blame the other guy. They might be selfish, miserly, stubborn, rigid or inflexible, narrow-minded, vain, prideful, or simply humorless; unable to laugh at themselves.
When you study ethics, you learn that there are six pillars of character. The Six Pillars of Character are ethical values to guide our choices. They are; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. The standards of conduct that arise out of those values constitute the ground rules of ethics, and therefore of ethical decision-making.
In the above scripture we learn that as Christians, we will have trials and tribulations that will help us to develop our characters. So often the lessons learned will be painful. Albeit, necessary. It is in the development of our character that we realize that there is hope and that hope, does not disappoint.
So my friends rejoice in your trials and tribulations because character does matter.
Be blessed.
Prayer:
Father God, so often the lessons of life can be painful. They will often cause us heartache and pain. However, we realize that in everything that we go through, it is for our benefit. Without character development, we might never know the love of God. We realize that sometimes it is necessary for life to squeeze out those character flaws. We sometimes look around us at the world and wonder, why are things so wrong? How can people do some of the things that they do? We realize that there is no hope and people will do strange things out of desperation. Lord, we thank You for the hope that has been given to us through Christ Jesus. We thank You for Your word that constantly encourages us and gives is the wisdom and the strength we need to change our ways. Lord, so many are going through so much and we just want to ask that Your grace and mercy would rain down into the lives of Your Saints who need just a drop to refresh them and give them strength. Continue to bless all of Yours this day. In the mighty Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
