Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Showing the True Character of Christ
Remember, show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning
takes care of itself. ~ Coach Paul "Bear"
Bryant
Scripture:
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. Psalm 18:35 (New International Version)
Everyday, we are judged by the people we come into contact with. Our family, friends, co-workers, and even total strangers form an opinion about us based upon what they see and what we say. Now, very seldom will people admit it, but it’s true. We too judge others the same way.
Have you ever seen a total stranger and formed an opinion about them without them saying anything? Think not? How many times have you seen a young black man walking down the street wearing saggy pants, with tattoos on his arms and not think he was up to no good? Or, how often have you seen a homeless person, ragged, standing on the corner asking for change and say to yourself, that they were an alcoholic or drug addict?
Believe it or not, there are many of us who have our own vices, dirty little secrets and things we have overcome. People don’t see our skeletons or our past indiscretions because since becoming a part of the body of Christ, we have won the victory through Christ Jesus. But, that still doesn’t give us the right to judge others.
You and I are who we are ONLY because of Who’s we are. We have been given a second chance at life because God sustains us. He has given us the shield of victory and reached down into the muck and mire of our lives to lift us up and make us great. Not because we are worthy, but because He is!
When people look at us, we should be wearing our faith like a banner for the whole world to see.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Our Father, our Lord, Our Savior, we come before You once again to honor You. Lord, we submit our will to Yours. Father, we pray that You would show us new revelations everyday in Your word. We ask that You would continue to guide our lives with Your word. Search our hearts Lord. Help us to identify those things in our lives that are not pleasing to You. Cover us Lord, Hide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come before the alter of sacrificing to leave the things in our lives that we want resolved. We recognize that our problems are too big and too heavy for us to carry alone. We desire breakthroughs for ourselves, our loved one, and most of all, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, may something that we do or say this day, show just how wonderful You are. We pray that You would magnify the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, not for our own edification, but so that others can see You in our lives. We love You Lord, we praise and uplift Your most holy name. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we submit our prayers. Amen.
Scripture:
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. Psalm 18:35 (New International Version)
Everyday, we are judged by the people we come into contact with. Our family, friends, co-workers, and even total strangers form an opinion about us based upon what they see and what we say. Now, very seldom will people admit it, but it’s true. We too judge others the same way.
Have you ever seen a total stranger and formed an opinion about them without them saying anything? Think not? How many times have you seen a young black man walking down the street wearing saggy pants, with tattoos on his arms and not think he was up to no good? Or, how often have you seen a homeless person, ragged, standing on the corner asking for change and say to yourself, that they were an alcoholic or drug addict?
Believe it or not, there are many of us who have our own vices, dirty little secrets and things we have overcome. People don’t see our skeletons or our past indiscretions because since becoming a part of the body of Christ, we have won the victory through Christ Jesus. But, that still doesn’t give us the right to judge others.
You and I are who we are ONLY because of Who’s we are. We have been given a second chance at life because God sustains us. He has given us the shield of victory and reached down into the muck and mire of our lives to lift us up and make us great. Not because we are worthy, but because He is!
When people look at us, we should be wearing our faith like a banner for the whole world to see.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Our Father, our Lord, Our Savior, we come before You once again to honor You. Lord, we submit our will to Yours. Father, we pray that You would show us new revelations everyday in Your word. We ask that You would continue to guide our lives with Your word. Search our hearts Lord. Help us to identify those things in our lives that are not pleasing to You. Cover us Lord, Hide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come before the alter of sacrificing to leave the things in our lives that we want resolved. We recognize that our problems are too big and too heavy for us to carry alone. We desire breakthroughs for ourselves, our loved one, and most of all, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, may something that we do or say this day, show just how wonderful You are. We pray that You would magnify the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, not for our own edification, but so that others can see You in our lives. We love You Lord, we praise and uplift Your most holy name. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we submit our prayers. Amen.
Monday, July 30, 2012
It Ain't Over Yet!
A vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better
selves, a call to become something more. ~ Rosabeth Moss Kanter
Scripture:Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. ~ Habakkuk 3:17-19 (New International Version)
Recently I had dinner with a friend who attended an outstanding teacher’s awards ceremony. He told us the story of one particular teacher who motivated his students with one simple word; YET. If one of his students approached him and said they couldn’t do something, his response was always the same, he added the word YET. Think about the word, yet.
Yet is a simple word with a simple meaning, “Up to now.” To put in into context; “I can’t do it, up to now; I don’t understand it, up to now; it hasn’t happened, up to now. In other words even if you don’t get it, understand it, hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t. It simply means that you haven’t reached that goal, had that vision or breakthrough “up to now.!”
This wonderful educator keeps his student motivated by challenging them with the knowledge that even thought it hasn’t happened yet, their breakthrough is still at hand. And so it is with our daily walk. If those things that you need and desire haven’t happened doesn’t mean they won’t. It just means it hasn’t happened YET.
Each and every one of us must remember that when we trust in something greater then ourselves; when we trust in God, that job, financial breakthrough, marriage, children or whatever else you may be waiting for simply means that you just don’t have it YET!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we lift Your name on high. I will bless the Lord at all times and his praises shall continuously be in my mouth. From every mountain high and every valley low, we will uplift the name of God. We will sing songs of praise all the day long. Though he slay me, I will have hope in Him. Even when my enemies are camped all around, yet I will give Him the glory for my impending victory. Lord we sing songs of praise even when we can't speak. We say Glory, glory hallelujah, praise be to God, even when the tears begin to fall. Even as I lay on my bed of affliction, when friends and family have turned against me, when there seems to be no hope for my situation or circumstances I will shout from the mountain tops; HALLELUJAH, ANYHOW! PRAISE BE TO GOD, GLORY! GLORY! GLORY! BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! amen.
Scripture:Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. ~ Habakkuk 3:17-19 (New International Version)
Recently I had dinner with a friend who attended an outstanding teacher’s awards ceremony. He told us the story of one particular teacher who motivated his students with one simple word; YET. If one of his students approached him and said they couldn’t do something, his response was always the same, he added the word YET. Think about the word, yet.
Yet is a simple word with a simple meaning, “Up to now.” To put in into context; “I can’t do it, up to now; I don’t understand it, up to now; it hasn’t happened, up to now. In other words even if you don’t get it, understand it, hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t. It simply means that you haven’t reached that goal, had that vision or breakthrough “up to now.!”
This wonderful educator keeps his student motivated by challenging them with the knowledge that even thought it hasn’t happened yet, their breakthrough is still at hand. And so it is with our daily walk. If those things that you need and desire haven’t happened doesn’t mean they won’t. It just means it hasn’t happened YET.
Each and every one of us must remember that when we trust in something greater then ourselves; when we trust in God, that job, financial breakthrough, marriage, children or whatever else you may be waiting for simply means that you just don’t have it YET!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, we lift Your name on high. I will bless the Lord at all times and his praises shall continuously be in my mouth. From every mountain high and every valley low, we will uplift the name of God. We will sing songs of praise all the day long. Though he slay me, I will have hope in Him. Even when my enemies are camped all around, yet I will give Him the glory for my impending victory. Lord we sing songs of praise even when we can't speak. We say Glory, glory hallelujah, praise be to God, even when the tears begin to fall. Even as I lay on my bed of affliction, when friends and family have turned against me, when there seems to be no hope for my situation or circumstances I will shout from the mountain tops; HALLELUJAH, ANYHOW! PRAISE BE TO GOD, GLORY! GLORY! GLORY! BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! amen.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Your Blessing is on the Way
Remember, there is no sudden leap to greatness. Your success lies in doing, day by day. Your upward reach comes from working well and carefully. Good work done little by little becomes great work. Your house of success will be built brick by brick. A bottle fills drop by drop.Adopt the pace of nature. The secret is patience. ~ Unknown
Scripture:
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who told me that he had interviewed for a job out of state and was expecting that he would be moving by the end of the month. However, he was starting to become a little nervous because he had not heard back from the company even though he had been assured that the job was his.
I knew from earlier conversations that even though he was ready to move, he had quite a few loose ends to tie up before he could actually move. As we talked I explained this to him and included that if in fact he had been notified and told that he would be moving right away, he would become doubly stressed in getting everything he needed to do done in time. Needless to say, he did get the job and he was able to tie up all of his loose ends before the move.
Saints, sometimes even when we know that God is giving us our blessings or that our blessings are on the way, he will put us into a holding pattern because there may be other things that need to be done before we can truly accept His gifts. He knows better than us that sometimes even when we think we are ready, there may still be things to do that can't be left undone.
So Saints I encourage you, to wait on the Lord, because your blessings are on the way.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Father, help us learn to wait on You and to be still and be of good courage. We recognize that sometimes we get impatient and want what we want right now, but we also recognize that sometimes what we want right now isn't always what You want for us. Thank You Father for the wait. For we know that everything is done in Your perfect time and not ours. Father, we ask for new revelations of Your word today. We ask that Your presence be magnified in our lives. Help us Lord, to always keep You in everything that we do and say. Bless Your name Lord. Thank You for the victories that will be won today in Your name. We speak these things as though they were. Praise God Hallelujah, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lamb of God in whose name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who told me that he had interviewed for a job out of state and was expecting that he would be moving by the end of the month. However, he was starting to become a little nervous because he had not heard back from the company even though he had been assured that the job was his.
I knew from earlier conversations that even though he was ready to move, he had quite a few loose ends to tie up before he could actually move. As we talked I explained this to him and included that if in fact he had been notified and told that he would be moving right away, he would become doubly stressed in getting everything he needed to do done in time. Needless to say, he did get the job and he was able to tie up all of his loose ends before the move.
Saints, sometimes even when we know that God is giving us our blessings or that our blessings are on the way, he will put us into a holding pattern because there may be other things that need to be done before we can truly accept His gifts. He knows better than us that sometimes even when we think we are ready, there may still be things to do that can't be left undone.
So Saints I encourage you, to wait on the Lord, because your blessings are on the way.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Father, help us learn to wait on You and to be still and be of good courage. We recognize that sometimes we get impatient and want what we want right now, but we also recognize that sometimes what we want right now isn't always what You want for us. Thank You Father for the wait. For we know that everything is done in Your perfect time and not ours. Father, we ask for new revelations of Your word today. We ask that Your presence be magnified in our lives. Help us Lord, to always keep You in everything that we do and say. Bless Your name Lord. Thank You for the victories that will be won today in Your name. We speak these things as though they were. Praise God Hallelujah, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lamb of God in whose name we pray. Amen.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
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 years 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 years 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.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Let Your Inner Light Shine
People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun's out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light within. ~ Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Scripture:
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16 (New International Version)
When things in our lives are going along smoothly, it’s very easy for us to put on a happy face. The bills are paid, the children are doing well, and our spouses are everything that we ever dreamed they could be. We smile, are nice to everyone and all is right with the world.
However, when things aren’t going along as planned, it’s much harder for us to put on a happy front. I mean, how can I smile when the bills are due and I don’t have the money to pay them? How can I be happy when my children are being disobedient and unruly? How can I stop the tears from flowing when my relationship is in trouble?
Now I don’t know about you, but rarely is everything in my life going in the same direction at the same time. In other words, I am faced with some sort of adversity almost on a daily basis. When I wake up in the morning, trust me, I can find something to become upset about. I just choose not too.
You see, I realized sometime ago we make choices in this world that will determine our moods and our mindset for the day. If I get up with an attitude instead of gratitude, and say I am going to have a bad day, then I will. Have a bad day that is.
When I awaken with gratitude in my heart, on my mind and on my tongue, even the negative things in my world won’t keep me down. I choose a spirit of happiness each day and live my life accordingly. Some of my friends even jokingly call me their Job because I continue to praise God even in the midst of my storms.
The quote I used for today essentially says that anyone can be pretty and full of life if the right light is shining in their lives, but what happens when the outer light is no longer present? Do you have the inner light of the Holy Spirit in you that still shines even when the clouds come out?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, in the name of Jesus, we come before the throne of grace, humbling ourselves before You Lord, giving You all honor, praise and glory. Father God, as we draw closer to the end of another week, we come to give thanks for all that You have done in our lives, but also for the things that You are about to do. Father, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Your word have I hidden in my heart so that I may not sin against thee. Lord, I come lifting my shield of faith and my sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. I believe that I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. I believe that You are doing a new thing in my life. I believe that my breakthrough, my miracle, my healing is at hand. I believe that I am and can do everything that Your word tells me because You Lord, are God alone and You cannot lie. My shield of faith reminds me that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My faith and hope comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Lord, we know and realize that You are still sovereign and that all things work for the good of those who love You and who have been called according to Your purpose. Thank You Lord, for my faith. Thank You Lord, for my blessings. Thank You Lord, for my Redeemer, Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16 (New International Version)
When things in our lives are going along smoothly, it’s very easy for us to put on a happy face. The bills are paid, the children are doing well, and our spouses are everything that we ever dreamed they could be. We smile, are nice to everyone and all is right with the world.
However, when things aren’t going along as planned, it’s much harder for us to put on a happy front. I mean, how can I smile when the bills are due and I don’t have the money to pay them? How can I be happy when my children are being disobedient and unruly? How can I stop the tears from flowing when my relationship is in trouble?
Now I don’t know about you, but rarely is everything in my life going in the same direction at the same time. In other words, I am faced with some sort of adversity almost on a daily basis. When I wake up in the morning, trust me, I can find something to become upset about. I just choose not too.
You see, I realized sometime ago we make choices in this world that will determine our moods and our mindset for the day. If I get up with an attitude instead of gratitude, and say I am going to have a bad day, then I will. Have a bad day that is.
When I awaken with gratitude in my heart, on my mind and on my tongue, even the negative things in my world won’t keep me down. I choose a spirit of happiness each day and live my life accordingly. Some of my friends even jokingly call me their Job because I continue to praise God even in the midst of my storms.
The quote I used for today essentially says that anyone can be pretty and full of life if the right light is shining in their lives, but what happens when the outer light is no longer present? Do you have the inner light of the Holy Spirit in you that still shines even when the clouds come out?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, in the name of Jesus, we come before the throne of grace, humbling ourselves before You Lord, giving You all honor, praise and glory. Father God, as we draw closer to the end of another week, we come to give thanks for all that You have done in our lives, but also for the things that You are about to do. Father, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Your word have I hidden in my heart so that I may not sin against thee. Lord, I come lifting my shield of faith and my sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. I believe that I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. I believe that You are doing a new thing in my life. I believe that my breakthrough, my miracle, my healing is at hand. I believe that I am and can do everything that Your word tells me because You Lord, are God alone and You cannot lie. My shield of faith reminds me that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My faith and hope comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Lord, we know and realize that You are still sovereign and that all things work for the good of those who love You and who have been called according to Your purpose. Thank You Lord, for my faith. Thank You Lord, for my blessings. Thank You Lord, for my Redeemer, Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Praise Him for the Closed Door
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ~Helen Keller
Scriptures:
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6, For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake, lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3, Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee I will wait all day. Psalm 25:5, Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. Psalm 5:8.
A few years ago, a friend shared a story called “Praise him for the Closed Door.” It spoke about how we need to learn to praise God for closed doors.
One reason God closes doors is because he hasn't prepared anything over there for us. Another reason may be because what's behind door number one may cause us harm. And yet still, behind door number two may be a trap that satan has prepared for us.
The story went on to further state, that God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces you to change your path. The closing of yet another will cause you to change your path again. Then finally, you open the door and you walk right into your blessing.
So Saints of God, instead of trying to beat down the door, praise him for the detour he is sending you on. Praise him for your blessings that are on the way.
But most of all, praise him because we serve an awesome God!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, many of us are standing before a closed door. Lord, some of us have been trying to beat that door down. Father, You have already told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. You have already told us that You would open the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing. A blessing that would overflow with Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy. Lord, we come thanking You for closing that door. Lord, we come thanking You and praising You because we know that our blessings are on the way. We praise You this day, because You are the Lord, my God. Praise His name. Hallelujah,. We worship and exalt You this day. Bless Your Holy Name Lord. Lord, some of us were ready to give up. But Lord, we realize that You haven't failed us yet. Praise God! Some of us have cried until we have no more tears to cry. But today my eyes are filled with tears of joy. Thank You Jesus. Father, we will Bless Your name all the day long. Hallelujah,Praise God. Amen.
Scriptures:
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6, For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake, lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3, Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee I will wait all day. Psalm 25:5, Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. Psalm 5:8.
A few years ago, a friend shared a story called “Praise him for the Closed Door.” It spoke about how we need to learn to praise God for closed doors.
One reason God closes doors is because he hasn't prepared anything over there for us. Another reason may be because what's behind door number one may cause us harm. And yet still, behind door number two may be a trap that satan has prepared for us.
The story went on to further state, that God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces you to change your path. The closing of yet another will cause you to change your path again. Then finally, you open the door and you walk right into your blessing.
So Saints of God, instead of trying to beat down the door, praise him for the detour he is sending you on. Praise him for your blessings that are on the way.
But most of all, praise him because we serve an awesome God!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, many of us are standing before a closed door. Lord, some of us have been trying to beat that door down. Father, You have already told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. You have already told us that You would open the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing. A blessing that would overflow with Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy. Lord, we come thanking You for closing that door. Lord, we come thanking You and praising You because we know that our blessings are on the way. We praise You this day, because You are the Lord, my God. Praise His name. Hallelujah,. We worship and exalt You this day. Bless Your Holy Name Lord. Lord, some of us were ready to give up. But Lord, we realize that You haven't failed us yet. Praise God! Some of us have cried until we have no more tears to cry. But today my eyes are filled with tears of joy. Thank You Jesus. Father, we will Bless Your name all the day long. Hallelujah,Praise God. Amen.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Victory Can Be Yours
Remember, there are victories of the soul and spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win. ~ Elie Weisel
Scripture:
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4 (New International Version)
There are times when we feel as though we are fighting a battle that can’t be won. We become punch drunk from all the blows that life sends our way. We arise each and everyday to fight the good fight of faith. At the end of the day, we are delirious from all the hits that we have taken. We often ask ourselves, why. It would be easier to just give up and let the chips fall where they may.
Personally, I have a number of issues in my life that I often become frustrated about. There are certain aspects of my life that I want to change, but no matter how much I try, they don’t seem to be changing. I set certain goals, only for those goals to fall by the wayside. I become angry and depressed when the things I strive for never seem to manifest. I try and I try, praying along the way, all to no avail.
Yet, I refuse to give up. You see, I had an epiphany this morning. Life isn’t always about what I want. It’s more about what God wants for me. The things that I want for myself aren’t necessarily what’s best for me. I can’t always see it at the time, but God sees and knows all.
I found the above quote very interesting for a number of reasons. One, even when it appears that I have lost a battle, what I see isn’t necessarily what God sees. Sometimes we fight so hard to hang to a person or situation that we fail to see just how toxic it can be to us. Sometimes we strive to arrive at a place without realizing that God is not in that place. Sometimes by achieving what we think we want, we may be causing ourselves and the ones we love irrevocable harm.
So my brothers and sisters remember this; even when it appears we have lost the battle, the victory can still be ours.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes it seems as though I am fighting a never ending battle. Some days are filled with stress and strife. Sometimes, I become weary from the war that wages around me. I realize that sometimes it is I who has caused the war from within. Lord, help me to be strong and resist temptation. Help me to develop patience, perseverance and peace within. Father, as I pause to spend time with You, I ask that you would quiet the conflict that rages within me. When I am faced with trials and tribulations help me to be still and remain calm and turn control over to the Holy Spirit. It's Your spirit Lord, that dwells in me. It that same spirit that can give me rest if I would just succumb to it. It's in that spirit I can find peace, joy and contentment. It's in that Spirit that I can find the answer to the questions that plague me. Father, sometimes it seems as though satan’s entire army has come against me. But Your word tells me that no army can defeat me with the Lord on my side. Thank You Father. I know that as long as I follow You, I am on the right path. I also realize that as long as I follow You, satan will be there trying to discourage me. I rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus. I call upon the name of the Lord, and I will surrender my will to His and allow the Lord to fight my battles. Thank You Father for the power and authority that has been given to me through Christ Jesus. Lord, bless my family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep me nearer God to Thee. Glory to God; Praise the name of the Lord. Hallelujah, Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4 (New International Version)
There are times when we feel as though we are fighting a battle that can’t be won. We become punch drunk from all the blows that life sends our way. We arise each and everyday to fight the good fight of faith. At the end of the day, we are delirious from all the hits that we have taken. We often ask ourselves, why. It would be easier to just give up and let the chips fall where they may.
Personally, I have a number of issues in my life that I often become frustrated about. There are certain aspects of my life that I want to change, but no matter how much I try, they don’t seem to be changing. I set certain goals, only for those goals to fall by the wayside. I become angry and depressed when the things I strive for never seem to manifest. I try and I try, praying along the way, all to no avail.
Yet, I refuse to give up. You see, I had an epiphany this morning. Life isn’t always about what I want. It’s more about what God wants for me. The things that I want for myself aren’t necessarily what’s best for me. I can’t always see it at the time, but God sees and knows all.
I found the above quote very interesting for a number of reasons. One, even when it appears that I have lost a battle, what I see isn’t necessarily what God sees. Sometimes we fight so hard to hang to a person or situation that we fail to see just how toxic it can be to us. Sometimes we strive to arrive at a place without realizing that God is not in that place. Sometimes by achieving what we think we want, we may be causing ourselves and the ones we love irrevocable harm.
So my brothers and sisters remember this; even when it appears we have lost the battle, the victory can still be ours.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes it seems as though I am fighting a never ending battle. Some days are filled with stress and strife. Sometimes, I become weary from the war that wages around me. I realize that sometimes it is I who has caused the war from within. Lord, help me to be strong and resist temptation. Help me to develop patience, perseverance and peace within. Father, as I pause to spend time with You, I ask that you would quiet the conflict that rages within me. When I am faced with trials and tribulations help me to be still and remain calm and turn control over to the Holy Spirit. It's Your spirit Lord, that dwells in me. It that same spirit that can give me rest if I would just succumb to it. It's in that spirit I can find peace, joy and contentment. It's in that Spirit that I can find the answer to the questions that plague me. Father, sometimes it seems as though satan’s entire army has come against me. But Your word tells me that no army can defeat me with the Lord on my side. Thank You Father. I know that as long as I follow You, I am on the right path. I also realize that as long as I follow You, satan will be there trying to discourage me. I rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus. I call upon the name of the Lord, and I will surrender my will to His and allow the Lord to fight my battles. Thank You Father for the power and authority that has been given to me through Christ Jesus. Lord, bless my family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep me nearer God to Thee. Glory to God; Praise the name of the Lord. Hallelujah, Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Jesus Sees Your Struggle
Remember, “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
Scripture:
He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, Mark 6:48-51 (NIV)
Just about everyone that I know is going through, or has gone through some type of storm. Sometimes the storms are of a financial nature. Or they may be storms in their relationships, in their homes, on their jobs, or in their bodies. Sometimes the storms may even be in their relationship with God.
No matter who you are, what you do for a living, your standing in the community, your marital status, you will go through a storm. It is inevitable. Since everyone has to go through the storm, the best thing we can do about it is learn from it. Only you can choose what you will learn from your personal storm.
Storms have the ability to show us what our weaknesses and needs are. Maybe the lesson is humility. Maybe the lesson is learning that we are not all that we think we are. Storms have a way of bringing us closer to God.
Sometimes when we are shaken up and tossed about, then and only then will we reach out for God’s unchanging hand.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, as I am going through my own personal storm, I come to the realization that You see my struggles. You are there even when I can’t see You. You watch over me and are just waiting for me to call to You. Lord, forgive for panicking and becoming afraid when my storms begin to toss me about. Lord, You have said that all I have to do is call on the name of Jesus. He is always there to rescue me from the storms of life. I know that I must go through my storms because it is necessary for me to recognize and worship You. The storms reveal all that is hidden within and around me. Lord, I choose to learn from my storms, no matter what the lesson may be. I accept every storm in my life because without them, I would forget that I need You each and everyday. I understand that the storms are sometimes necessary for me to see what You are doing in my life. As I recall the words to the song, “His Eye in on the Sparrow”, I remember that Your word that tells me “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” So I must learn that even in my storms, that I have no worry for You see my struggles. Thank you Lord for reminding me that You would never leave me nor forsake me. I come blessing and uplifting the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. It is in His precious name that I submit my prayers. Amen.
Scripture:
He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, Mark 6:48-51 (NIV)
Just about everyone that I know is going through, or has gone through some type of storm. Sometimes the storms are of a financial nature. Or they may be storms in their relationships, in their homes, on their jobs, or in their bodies. Sometimes the storms may even be in their relationship with God.
No matter who you are, what you do for a living, your standing in the community, your marital status, you will go through a storm. It is inevitable. Since everyone has to go through the storm, the best thing we can do about it is learn from it. Only you can choose what you will learn from your personal storm.
Storms have the ability to show us what our weaknesses and needs are. Maybe the lesson is humility. Maybe the lesson is learning that we are not all that we think we are. Storms have a way of bringing us closer to God.
Sometimes when we are shaken up and tossed about, then and only then will we reach out for God’s unchanging hand.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Lord, as I am going through my own personal storm, I come to the realization that You see my struggles. You are there even when I can’t see You. You watch over me and are just waiting for me to call to You. Lord, forgive for panicking and becoming afraid when my storms begin to toss me about. Lord, You have said that all I have to do is call on the name of Jesus. He is always there to rescue me from the storms of life. I know that I must go through my storms because it is necessary for me to recognize and worship You. The storms reveal all that is hidden within and around me. Lord, I choose to learn from my storms, no matter what the lesson may be. I accept every storm in my life because without them, I would forget that I need You each and everyday. I understand that the storms are sometimes necessary for me to see what You are doing in my life. As I recall the words to the song, “His Eye in on the Sparrow”, I remember that Your word that tells me “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” So I must learn that even in my storms, that I have no worry for You see my struggles. Thank you Lord for reminding me that You would never leave me nor forsake me. I come blessing and uplifting the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. It is in His precious name that I submit my prayers. Amen.
