Monday, April 30, 2012
Trouble Don't Last Always
Remember, God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a
specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty. ~ Peter
Marshall
Scripture:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3
Everyone I know will eventually have to go through some sort of trial or tribulation. These seemingly unexpected events can happen at almost anytime. We work hard at our careers only to be faced with economic downturns. We raise up our children according to the word of God and still, some will falter. We stand before God and pledge eternal love and dedication to our spouses and yet, divorce rates, even among Christian households is on the rise. We ask the question “why me Lord?”
None of us like adversity in our lives. However, sometimes it is necessary for our own good. I personally know first hand how difficult these situations can be. I have lost it all; material things, that is. I have lost a house, a car, a job and almost lost my oldest son to the streets. My marriage is gone and friendships that I thought were “forever” have disintegrated. But the good news is that through it all, God has continued to bless me.
In everything that we go through, know that God has a plan. We may not always see it, but He does. I believe that through my pain, I birthed a greater understanding and application of His Word. I have learned that it is not the material things that matter, but rather the intangible things in our lives that we will come to cherish the most. The things that I appreciate the most, cannot be weighted and judged by what the worlds sees as success, but rather by how I feel about my life at the end of each day.
Know that weeping may endure for a night, but troubles don’t last always.
Be blessed
PRAYER:Father, I thank You that You have blessed me with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the Holy Spirit Who helps me develop and exercise patience, a fruit of the spirit. Lord, we don't know what this day may bring, but what we do know is that You are with us always, even in our times of need. We don't know what lies ahead, but as long as You travel life’s road with us, we will always be able to depend on You to guide and direct us. Lord, satan is still trying to destroy families. He has turned husbands against wives and wives against husbands. He has set children at odds against their parents and against one another. Father, today we ask that You would heal all families. Satan is a liar, and he cannot have our families. In the name of Jesus we bind every trick, every attempt at deception. We rebuke satan and all of his demons, in the name of Jesus. We put on our whole armor of God and pledge to fight the good fight of faith this day and each and everyday. Father, You have told us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. We come standing on that word today. Lord, we thank You for Your word that brings both peace and comfort. We stand on Your word and on our spiritual blessings that have been given to us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3
Everyone I know will eventually have to go through some sort of trial or tribulation. These seemingly unexpected events can happen at almost anytime. We work hard at our careers only to be faced with economic downturns. We raise up our children according to the word of God and still, some will falter. We stand before God and pledge eternal love and dedication to our spouses and yet, divorce rates, even among Christian households is on the rise. We ask the question “why me Lord?”
None of us like adversity in our lives. However, sometimes it is necessary for our own good. I personally know first hand how difficult these situations can be. I have lost it all; material things, that is. I have lost a house, a car, a job and almost lost my oldest son to the streets. My marriage is gone and friendships that I thought were “forever” have disintegrated. But the good news is that through it all, God has continued to bless me.
In everything that we go through, know that God has a plan. We may not always see it, but He does. I believe that through my pain, I birthed a greater understanding and application of His Word. I have learned that it is not the material things that matter, but rather the intangible things in our lives that we will come to cherish the most. The things that I appreciate the most, cannot be weighted and judged by what the worlds sees as success, but rather by how I feel about my life at the end of each day.
Know that weeping may endure for a night, but troubles don’t last always.
Be blessed
PRAYER:Father, I thank You that You have blessed me with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the Holy Spirit Who helps me develop and exercise patience, a fruit of the spirit. Lord, we don't know what this day may bring, but what we do know is that You are with us always, even in our times of need. We don't know what lies ahead, but as long as You travel life’s road with us, we will always be able to depend on You to guide and direct us. Lord, satan is still trying to destroy families. He has turned husbands against wives and wives against husbands. He has set children at odds against their parents and against one another. Father, today we ask that You would heal all families. Satan is a liar, and he cannot have our families. In the name of Jesus we bind every trick, every attempt at deception. We rebuke satan and all of his demons, in the name of Jesus. We put on our whole armor of God and pledge to fight the good fight of faith this day and each and everyday. Father, You have told us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. We come standing on that word today. Lord, we thank You for Your word that brings both peace and comfort. We stand on Your word and on our spiritual blessings that have been given to us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Is God Trying to tell You Something?
When God speaks, do you listen?
Scripture:
And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. Genesis 46:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
One of my favorite movies is the Color Purple. One of the many reasons that I enjoyed both the book and the movie versions so much is that Alice Walker created some very interesting characters who reflected strong, but flawed attributes. Although I really enjoyed most of the character portrayals, my favorite was Suge Avery.
Now one of the reasons she was a favorite is that she is a representative of many women, black, white and purple. No matter what your skin tone, you had to admire Suge. She seemed to have it all; talent, good times and a carefree attitude. Many would say she was a bad woman. I mean really, she was a juke joint singer and a hoochie coochie dancer and you might ask, why would anyone admire her?
The reasons are many but no matter if you loved or hated her, you had to admire her strong personality that allowed her to do what she thought was best for her and follow her heart. In a sense, she told the world “this is who I am and I going to do me.” Now if you think about the era in which this story takes place, this is unheard of from a woman. However, there was one person whose opinion of her she greatly desired, her father’s.
Suge’s father was a Pastor of a church; a church in the community that Suge had grown up in. When Suge decided to turn to the secular world to share her gifts, her father turned his back on her. Ultimately, this was the price she had to pay to do “her.”
In the movie there is one very pivotal scene that betrays who she really is. It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon and she says “I feel like sangin.” The next scene shows her at the juke joint surrounded by throngs of folks ready to hear her sing. She starts singing one of her favorite songs. But then, something happens.
In the distance, she hears an angelic voice singing what appears to be a song that Suge knows very well. “God is trying to tell you something.” Caught up in the moment, you can see the transformation in her taking place as both the power of the song and the Holy Spirit begin to take over. In the end, she makes her way back to the church and regains both her faith and her father’s love.
Saints, how many of you can’t sleep at night and you wonder why? Maybe God is trying to tell you something.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes the road ahead seems dark and lonely. I often don’t know what lies ahead and because of the unknown, I become fearful. Forgive me Lord, for not trusting in Your word. Your word that tells me, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus.” Your word that tells me, “I am more than a conqueror.” Your word that speaks to me late in the midnight hour when there is darkness all around. Help me Father to be still and listen for Your voice alone. Father, forgive me for not standing on Your word and Your promise. Your promise that has been manifested in the lives of believers for centuries. Lord, forgive me for my weaknesses and my fear. Strengthen me and magnify Your power and Your presence in my life and in the lives of all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. May the power and the light of the Holy Spirit be magnified in our hearts this day. May those who I see today, see You working in my life. Thank You Father for never giving up on me and turning Your back on me. Lord, help me to be aware of the things that I do and say today, because we never know who is watching. We come together once again joining in fellowship and prayer, asking that You would continue to bless all the families represented here, on our prayer list and in our homes. Thank You Lord, thank You Jesus, in His name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. Genesis 46:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
One of my favorite movies is the Color Purple. One of the many reasons that I enjoyed both the book and the movie versions so much is that Alice Walker created some very interesting characters who reflected strong, but flawed attributes. Although I really enjoyed most of the character portrayals, my favorite was Suge Avery.
Now one of the reasons she was a favorite is that she is a representative of many women, black, white and purple. No matter what your skin tone, you had to admire Suge. She seemed to have it all; talent, good times and a carefree attitude. Many would say she was a bad woman. I mean really, she was a juke joint singer and a hoochie coochie dancer and you might ask, why would anyone admire her?
The reasons are many but no matter if you loved or hated her, you had to admire her strong personality that allowed her to do what she thought was best for her and follow her heart. In a sense, she told the world “this is who I am and I going to do me.” Now if you think about the era in which this story takes place, this is unheard of from a woman. However, there was one person whose opinion of her she greatly desired, her father’s.
Suge’s father was a Pastor of a church; a church in the community that Suge had grown up in. When Suge decided to turn to the secular world to share her gifts, her father turned his back on her. Ultimately, this was the price she had to pay to do “her.”
In the movie there is one very pivotal scene that betrays who she really is. It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon and she says “I feel like sangin.” The next scene shows her at the juke joint surrounded by throngs of folks ready to hear her sing. She starts singing one of her favorite songs. But then, something happens.
In the distance, she hears an angelic voice singing what appears to be a song that Suge knows very well. “God is trying to tell you something.” Caught up in the moment, you can see the transformation in her taking place as both the power of the song and the Holy Spirit begin to take over. In the end, she makes her way back to the church and regains both her faith and her father’s love.
Saints, how many of you can’t sleep at night and you wonder why? Maybe God is trying to tell you something.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes the road ahead seems dark and lonely. I often don’t know what lies ahead and because of the unknown, I become fearful. Forgive me Lord, for not trusting in Your word. Your word that tells me, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus.” Your word that tells me, “I am more than a conqueror.” Your word that speaks to me late in the midnight hour when there is darkness all around. Help me Father to be still and listen for Your voice alone. Father, forgive me for not standing on Your word and Your promise. Your promise that has been manifested in the lives of believers for centuries. Lord, forgive me for my weaknesses and my fear. Strengthen me and magnify Your power and Your presence in my life and in the lives of all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. May the power and the light of the Holy Spirit be magnified in our hearts this day. May those who I see today, see You working in my life. Thank You Father for never giving up on me and turning Your back on me. Lord, help me to be aware of the things that I do and say today, because we never know who is watching. We come together once again joining in fellowship and prayer, asking that You would continue to bless all the families represented here, on our prayer list and in our homes. Thank You Lord, thank You Jesus, in His name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Count it All Joy!
Joy is a mystery because it can happen anywhere, anytime, even under the most
unpromising circumstances, even in the midst of suffering with tears in its
eyes.
Scripture:
Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 (NKJV)
Joy is more than just a word. Joy is an emotion that everyone would like to experience at some level. Many believe that joy can only be found in the greatest of life’s moments. However, many more will tell you that joy can be found in those little moments that are always so unexpected.
As a parent, my children have given me some of my greatest moments of joy. The moment that I first laid eyes on them, filled me with a joy so powerful, words couldn’t even begin to explain. And with each accomplishment they achieved, once again I would experience unspeakable joy.
When I fell in love, just spending time with that special person fills my heart with joy. The simple things that we do together are joyous because I enjoy those moments of happiness that spring from simply being in each other’s company bring.
Even when my heart is heavy, I can go to church and receive a word from that man or woman of God that I know was meant just for me that renews my spirit and fills me with a new sense of joy, hope and happiness. What many of you may not know is that I work at a funeral home. I see families broken by the death of a loved one. The tears are many but so is the joy and laughter. The tears are caused by grief and the laughter is generated by sweet memories and love. And for those family members who know that their loved one has gone home to Christ, they rejoice in the knowledge that their loved ones are at peace AND in joy with the Lord.
So no matter what you are faced with remember, weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Father, when trouble comes my way, help me to learn to trust in You. Lord, sometimes we forget that You are our ever present help in the time of trouble. Thank You Lord, for being there when we need You. Lord, when we begin to falter and start to worry about our problems, help us to remember to be still and pray. When the problems of life seem to overwhelm us, help us to remember You are right there with us. God help us to realize that weeping may endure for a night, and that sometimes it is necessary for trouble to assail us so that we can see You power and Your glory, manifested in our lives. Lord, We ask for strength today. The strength to stand and fight the good fight of faith yet another day. Lord, grant us peace today. Your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, fill our hearts with Your love. Your love that is not our selfish definition, but the love of Christ Jesus, that strengthens us. Now Lord, we come together on one accord to pray for one another. For no matter how heavy our cross seems, we recognize that we are blessed beyond our own imaginations. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Bless our loved ones who have not come to know You yet. But most of all, we Bless Your holy name. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 (NKJV)
Joy is more than just a word. Joy is an emotion that everyone would like to experience at some level. Many believe that joy can only be found in the greatest of life’s moments. However, many more will tell you that joy can be found in those little moments that are always so unexpected.
As a parent, my children have given me some of my greatest moments of joy. The moment that I first laid eyes on them, filled me with a joy so powerful, words couldn’t even begin to explain. And with each accomplishment they achieved, once again I would experience unspeakable joy.
When I fell in love, just spending time with that special person fills my heart with joy. The simple things that we do together are joyous because I enjoy those moments of happiness that spring from simply being in each other’s company bring.
Even when my heart is heavy, I can go to church and receive a word from that man or woman of God that I know was meant just for me that renews my spirit and fills me with a new sense of joy, hope and happiness. What many of you may not know is that I work at a funeral home. I see families broken by the death of a loved one. The tears are many but so is the joy and laughter. The tears are caused by grief and the laughter is generated by sweet memories and love. And for those family members who know that their loved one has gone home to Christ, they rejoice in the knowledge that their loved ones are at peace AND in joy with the Lord.
So no matter what you are faced with remember, weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning.
Be blessed
Prayer:
Father, when trouble comes my way, help me to learn to trust in You. Lord, sometimes we forget that You are our ever present help in the time of trouble. Thank You Lord, for being there when we need You. Lord, when we begin to falter and start to worry about our problems, help us to remember to be still and pray. When the problems of life seem to overwhelm us, help us to remember You are right there with us. God help us to realize that weeping may endure for a night, and that sometimes it is necessary for trouble to assail us so that we can see You power and Your glory, manifested in our lives. Lord, We ask for strength today. The strength to stand and fight the good fight of faith yet another day. Lord, grant us peace today. Your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, fill our hearts with Your love. Your love that is not our selfish definition, but the love of Christ Jesus, that strengthens us. Now Lord, we come together on one accord to pray for one another. For no matter how heavy our cross seems, we recognize that we are blessed beyond our own imaginations. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Bless our loved ones who have not come to know You yet. But most of all, we Bless Your holy name. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
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.
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Life Changing Word of God
Remember, we don't change God's message -- His message changes us.
Scripture:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-19 (New International Version)
I remember a time when I wasn’t saved, sanctified and Holy-Ghost filled. I used to believe that people who believed in God were stupid and foolish. I mean, how could they believe in something that they could not see?
Yeah, I used to go to church and listen to the Man of God preach about heaven, but I found it hard to believe that there could be a heaven with so much hell on earth. I saw poverty and despair all around me. I saw supposedly “good” people suffering in ways that they didn’t deserve. I watched as a very good “Christian” friend suffered through the pain and agony of a cancer that would one day take her life. Yes, I knew about God but somehow, I found it hard to believe that he knew about me.
Then one Sunday as I sat in church listening to the preacher talk about how God knows and sees our struggles and about how we needed to see beyond our natural and start looking at God through His supernatural eye; I felt something that I had never before experienced; A peace that passes all understanding. My eyes were opened for the very first time.
On that all important day, I began to see and experience the true power of the Holy Spirit as it landed on me and changed the course of my life. I finally got it. I finally understood with my heart what God’s message was all about. It wasn’t about what we see and hear around us, it is about what a relationship with God truly meant.
I finally understood that what I had been going to church for all those years weren’t meant to change the world around me. Rather, it was meant to change my world; A world that places God at its center. The word of God is an instrument that is used to lead us and teach us as we journey through this world. The word of God is a lesson to aid us as we are reconciled to the kingdom of God. The word of God is the key to the kingdom.
Aren’t you glad for His Word?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to give thanks for Your word. Your word that gives us life eternal through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. O Lord, Your compassions never fail and Your mercies are new every morning: We give You thanks for giving each of us relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in us, we pray, the good work You have begun; that we, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in Your goodness, may so order our lives and conduct that we may always think and do those things that please You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Amen.
Scripture:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-19 (New International Version)
I remember a time when I wasn’t saved, sanctified and Holy-Ghost filled. I used to believe that people who believed in God were stupid and foolish. I mean, how could they believe in something that they could not see?
Yeah, I used to go to church and listen to the Man of God preach about heaven, but I found it hard to believe that there could be a heaven with so much hell on earth. I saw poverty and despair all around me. I saw supposedly “good” people suffering in ways that they didn’t deserve. I watched as a very good “Christian” friend suffered through the pain and agony of a cancer that would one day take her life. Yes, I knew about God but somehow, I found it hard to believe that he knew about me.
Then one Sunday as I sat in church listening to the preacher talk about how God knows and sees our struggles and about how we needed to see beyond our natural and start looking at God through His supernatural eye; I felt something that I had never before experienced; A peace that passes all understanding. My eyes were opened for the very first time.
On that all important day, I began to see and experience the true power of the Holy Spirit as it landed on me and changed the course of my life. I finally got it. I finally understood with my heart what God’s message was all about. It wasn’t about what we see and hear around us, it is about what a relationship with God truly meant.
I finally understood that what I had been going to church for all those years weren’t meant to change the world around me. Rather, it was meant to change my world; A world that places God at its center. The word of God is an instrument that is used to lead us and teach us as we journey through this world. The word of God is a lesson to aid us as we are reconciled to the kingdom of God. The word of God is the key to the kingdom.
Aren’t you glad for His Word?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to give thanks for Your word. Your word that gives us life eternal through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. O Lord, Your compassions never fail and Your mercies are new every morning: We give You thanks for giving each of us relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in us, we pray, the good work You have begun; that we, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in Your goodness, may so order our lives and conduct that we may always think and do those things that please You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Amen.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Your Blessing is on the Way
Remember, When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place. ~ C.S. Lewis
Scripture:
“Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; Deuteronomy 7:9
Saints,
How many of you have been praying for something to happen and it hasn't happened yet? How many of you are wondering when your breakthrough will come? How many of you are wondering how long will you have to be in the valley?
The one thing that I have learned since becoming a Christian is this, no matter how bad we want something, how much we pray about it, how much we beg and ask God to change something, it's not going to happen unless and until God says it's time.
Sometimes the things that we have to go through are necessary before we can see the manifestation of God's blessings. You see saints, when we have to go through something sometimes that is the only way God can get our attention. Sometimes we have to go through to prepare us for what God has in store for us. Sometimes we have to go through so that God can show up and show out!
No matter what we have to go through always remember, the Lord is still blessing you right now!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, sometimes it seems like You don't hear our prayers. But we know Lord, that You hear our cries. Father, forgive us for our impatience. Father, we know that even when we aren't faithful to You, You are still faithful to us. Thank You Lord, that You see beyond our weaknesses and bless us anyhow. Lord, teach us patience. Father I come asking that You would touch, bless heal and anoint our family and friends who we have been praying for. Many of our sick and afflicted have been going through for quite sometime. Help us to remain prayerful, even when we can't see You working in our lives. Father, we know our breakthroughs are at hand, because You have already given us the victory through Your son, Jesus Christ, in his name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
“Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; Deuteronomy 7:9
Saints,
How many of you have been praying for something to happen and it hasn't happened yet? How many of you are wondering when your breakthrough will come? How many of you are wondering how long will you have to be in the valley?
The one thing that I have learned since becoming a Christian is this, no matter how bad we want something, how much we pray about it, how much we beg and ask God to change something, it's not going to happen unless and until God says it's time.
Sometimes the things that we have to go through are necessary before we can see the manifestation of God's blessings. You see saints, when we have to go through something sometimes that is the only way God can get our attention. Sometimes we have to go through to prepare us for what God has in store for us. Sometimes we have to go through so that God can show up and show out!
No matter what we have to go through always remember, the Lord is still blessing you right now!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, sometimes it seems like You don't hear our prayers. But we know Lord, that You hear our cries. Father, forgive us for our impatience. Father, we know that even when we aren't faithful to You, You are still faithful to us. Thank You Lord, that You see beyond our weaknesses and bless us anyhow. Lord, teach us patience. Father I come asking that You would touch, bless heal and anoint our family and friends who we have been praying for. Many of our sick and afflicted have been going through for quite sometime. Help us to remain prayerful, even when we can't see You working in our lives. Father, we know our breakthroughs are at hand, because You have already given us the victory through Your son, Jesus Christ, in his name we pray. Amen.
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Pick Up Your Cross
I have always believed that God never gives a cross to bear larger than we can carry. No matter what, he wants us to be happy, not sad. Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't we? ~ Rose F. Kennedy
Scripture:
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27
Do you sometimes wonder why your life seems so hard? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though you go from one bad situation to the next? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though you are constantly under attack? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though you are living the word of God and going through, but you know people who know nothing about God's word and they seem to have everything?
Do you ever cry to out to God; "Why me Lord?" and he answers; "Why not you!"
One of the things that I like to share with new believers and share with those of you have been in the word for a very long time is this; When you were in the world and not in the word satan didn't care anything about you because he already had you. When you became a disciple of Christ, that's when he became concerned. That's when he started coming after you. That's when he started throwing everything he has at you.
Unfortunately, too many people think that once they accept Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior, life would get better. Too often we think that things aren't suppose to happen to us because we believe in the word of God. Too often we think that we aren't suppose to go through bad times, be sick, lose loved ones, suffer financially, have broken relationships and the list goes on and on.
If you look closely enough at the word of God it does tell you that each and every one of us will have our own cross to bear. Just like Jesus. Wait a minute, let me back up. Each and every Christian who has been charged with being one of his disciples, (and that is what every Christian should be, a disciple), will have their own cross to bear. Now while we are carrying our cross, satan will be throwing things, dropping bombs, creating chaos, troubling the waters and doing everything else to turn you away from God. He hates each and every one of us that much and wants to separate us from the love of God.
Satan knows that as long as we have God on our side, His Grace is sufficient. We can do all things through Christ Jesus. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. No weapon formed against us can prosper. The Lord will provide.
I don't know about you, but I praise God for my cross because I'd rather carry my cross here on earth as one of his disciples and spend eternity with him, than to be fooled into believing that I can have it all here on earth and then spend eternity in hell with satan.
Be Blessed.
Prayer:
El-Elyon, Most High God , El-Shaddia, Almighty God, El-Olam, Everlasting God, Father, Abba, You who are my everything. Lord, sometimes we get weary and tired. There are days when life seems more than we can bear. There are nights that my pillow is covered in tears and it seems as though no one cares. Father, I have hidden Your word in my heart. I dwell and meditate on Your word night and day. I thank You Lord for Your word that strengthens me. Lord, You have said we can do all things through Christ Jesus. You have told us that You are with us always, even until the end of times. You are in the fiery furnace with us, on our ship that is caught in the storm, and in the valley of death. We don't ask that You come into our hearts and lives, only that You magnify Your presence. Touch us today, our minds, our hearts, our spirits, our very souls. Keep us in perfect peace. Strengthen us once again. Father, when I grow weary from the weight of my cross, empower me and order my steps so that I may continue down the path that You have chosen. Thank You Father. Thank You Lord. For the one who first carried my cross, Christ Jesus in his name we pray. Praise God, Hallelujah, Amen.
Scripture:
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27
Do you sometimes wonder why your life seems so hard? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though you go from one bad situation to the next? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though you are constantly under attack? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though you are living the word of God and going through, but you know people who know nothing about God's word and they seem to have everything?
Do you ever cry to out to God; "Why me Lord?" and he answers; "Why not you!"
One of the things that I like to share with new believers and share with those of you have been in the word for a very long time is this; When you were in the world and not in the word satan didn't care anything about you because he already had you. When you became a disciple of Christ, that's when he became concerned. That's when he started coming after you. That's when he started throwing everything he has at you.
Unfortunately, too many people think that once they accept Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior, life would get better. Too often we think that things aren't suppose to happen to us because we believe in the word of God. Too often we think that we aren't suppose to go through bad times, be sick, lose loved ones, suffer financially, have broken relationships and the list goes on and on.
If you look closely enough at the word of God it does tell you that each and every one of us will have our own cross to bear. Just like Jesus. Wait a minute, let me back up. Each and every Christian who has been charged with being one of his disciples, (and that is what every Christian should be, a disciple), will have their own cross to bear. Now while we are carrying our cross, satan will be throwing things, dropping bombs, creating chaos, troubling the waters and doing everything else to turn you away from God. He hates each and every one of us that much and wants to separate us from the love of God.
Satan knows that as long as we have God on our side, His Grace is sufficient. We can do all things through Christ Jesus. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. No weapon formed against us can prosper. The Lord will provide.
I don't know about you, but I praise God for my cross because I'd rather carry my cross here on earth as one of his disciples and spend eternity with him, than to be fooled into believing that I can have it all here on earth and then spend eternity in hell with satan.
Be Blessed.
Prayer:
El-Elyon, Most High God , El-Shaddia, Almighty God, El-Olam, Everlasting God, Father, Abba, You who are my everything. Lord, sometimes we get weary and tired. There are days when life seems more than we can bear. There are nights that my pillow is covered in tears and it seems as though no one cares. Father, I have hidden Your word in my heart. I dwell and meditate on Your word night and day. I thank You Lord for Your word that strengthens me. Lord, You have said we can do all things through Christ Jesus. You have told us that You are with us always, even until the end of times. You are in the fiery furnace with us, on our ship that is caught in the storm, and in the valley of death. We don't ask that You come into our hearts and lives, only that You magnify Your presence. Touch us today, our minds, our hearts, our spirits, our very souls. Keep us in perfect peace. Strengthen us once again. Father, when I grow weary from the weight of my cross, empower me and order my steps so that I may continue down the path that You have chosen. Thank You Father. Thank You Lord. For the one who first carried my cross, Christ Jesus in his name we pray. Praise God, Hallelujah, Amen.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Gong Through to Get To
Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. ~Michael Jordan
Scripture:
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:29-30 (New International Version)
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who just discovered some life altering news. As we talked about this new revelation, through her tears she asked, Why am I always going through?
As I tried to comfort my friend, I tried to explain to her going through something, is just a journey. It is a journey of our souls from one place to the other.
Today I am here to tell you that even as you are going through, God is there with you. Even in your times of trouble, he still grants you peace. Even as we walk through the valleys of sickness, depression, financial difficulties, death, and disaster, God will never leave us nor forsake us.
Understand that each and everyone will have to go through something. Sometimes it’s because of things that we have done, the choices that we have made, or even just because it's necessary. Sometimes God allows us to go through something for our good. Maybe it's to protect us. Maybe it's to help us see just how blessed we are. Maybe it's to help us grow.There is one very important thing that I have learned about going through the valley of trials and tribulations and that is, none of us will stay in the valley.
It's just a journey to the other side!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
God bless those of us who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves. The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. 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. Heavenly Father, in my present need, help me to believe that You are aware of my anxiety and will do what is best for me. Give me the strength to trust You and put the present and future in Your hands. We pray, O God of hope, for all families whose lives are torn and disrupted by drugs and alcohol. Enable them to identify the illness. Strengthen them to seek help. Bless them with the power of Your love, which imparts transformation and wholeness to those who trust in Your name. Grant that as they walk this tortured road, they may journey together and bound close in the bond of love. Lord, we thank You for this day. for life and one more day to love, for neighbors, family, and friends. One more person to love and by whom be loved, for Your grace and one more experience of Your presence, for Your promise: to be with us, to be our God, and to give salvation. For these, and all blessings, we give You thanks, eternal, loving God, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:29-30 (New International Version)
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who just discovered some life altering news. As we talked about this new revelation, through her tears she asked, Why am I always going through?
As I tried to comfort my friend, I tried to explain to her going through something, is just a journey. It is a journey of our souls from one place to the other.
Today I am here to tell you that even as you are going through, God is there with you. Even in your times of trouble, he still grants you peace. Even as we walk through the valleys of sickness, depression, financial difficulties, death, and disaster, God will never leave us nor forsake us.
Understand that each and everyone will have to go through something. Sometimes it’s because of things that we have done, the choices that we have made, or even just because it's necessary. Sometimes God allows us to go through something for our good. Maybe it's to protect us. Maybe it's to help us see just how blessed we are. Maybe it's to help us grow.There is one very important thing that I have learned about going through the valley of trials and tribulations and that is, none of us will stay in the valley.
It's just a journey to the other side!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
God bless those of us who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves. The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. 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. Heavenly Father, in my present need, help me to believe that You are aware of my anxiety and will do what is best for me. Give me the strength to trust You and put the present and future in Your hands. We pray, O God of hope, for all families whose lives are torn and disrupted by drugs and alcohol. Enable them to identify the illness. Strengthen them to seek help. Bless them with the power of Your love, which imparts transformation and wholeness to those who trust in Your name. Grant that as they walk this tortured road, they may journey together and bound close in the bond of love. Lord, we thank You for this day. for life and one more day to love, for neighbors, family, and friends. One more person to love and by whom be loved, for Your grace and one more experience of Your presence, for Your promise: to be with us, to be our God, and to give salvation. For these, and all blessings, we give You thanks, eternal, loving God, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
