Hello my fellow bloggers, long time, no hear from. I truly apologize for that. I've been dealing with a lot of family stuff, church stuff and just stuff in general. Life still goes on in spite of what we go through.....
So with that I pray that all is well with all of you and your families. I wanted to share something I wrote when I was asked by my Pastor to give a word of encouragement. He told me that I had to pick the subject. At first all the excuses I could possibly think of came to the surface. I immediately starting saying things like and I quote, "he must be tripping", yeah, I said that to myself of course, "I don't want to do this, Dang,I wish he would ask somebody else", I don't like standing in front of people and giving a speech. I sure didn't like it in school. I know that I am going to mess this up, I'm too nervous and what could I possibly say to my church members. Yeah, I could go on and on. I sounded like a 16 year kid!
The only good thing about this is that he asked 3 other women in my church that never did this before either, so I felt a little better as time went on. But while going through all these "unneccessary" emotions, I realized that I didn't want to be disobedient. So with that said, I found my topic. I would like to share what I wrote with all of you.
HUMBLE BEFORE YOU STUMBLE
Humble – means not proud or arrogant; modest, feeling of insignificance; Low in rank, importance or status. Or simply, courteously respectful.
Stumble – means “ To make a slip, mistake, or blunder; To falter or hesitate. To stagger or fall. “ To Discover or meet with accidentally or unexpectedly – Ex: “ To stumble on, upon or across “.
When I put these two words together, and apply them to the word I come up with “ Do not be proud or arrogant, but be modest, courteous & respectful before you slip, make a mistake, blunder, hesitate, stagger, or fall accidentally or unexpectedly.
Matthew 23:12- Jesus says “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
So lets take a look at the word exhalt.
Exalt – means to “To raise in rank, honor, power, character & quality. To elevate or to praise.
But when you elevate & praise yourself, you are not following the word of God. To humble oneself is to bring down the pride of another or to reduce him or her to a state of abasement “A clearer example of this is to “Humble an arrogant enemy “.
Phillippians 2:8-11 “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This scripture stresses both the totality and the climax of Jesus’ obedience and the full extent of his humbleness. He was willing to die for us!
Even while Jesus was nailed to a cross, pierced in his side, and suffered many other afflictions he still humbled himself unto the Father. At any time he could have asked for help or called upon angels to save him, but As the scripture reads “ He humbled himself & became obedient to death, therefore God exalted him to the highest place “.
Meaning that there is no doubt of his rank or glorious position conferred on Jesus due to his selfless act for man.
My testimony to these facts are as follows: After reading and re-reading these scriptures, I asked myself why do I stumble so much in my Christian walk? Well to put it simply - I was not reading my word daily nor was I applying it in the areas where I found myself stumbling the most. By that I also mean I would apply myself weakly in some areas, stronger in others and I still wanted to be (if you will) recognized as a good Christian woman.
Whether it be monetary or lending a hand for whatever the need was at the time for others, I still believed that all good deeds were recognized by the Father no matter how small. As long as I was a genuinely nice person, God would be pleased with just that. I felt he wasn’t looking for me to save anybody, my Pastor and assistant Pastor had to do that. I pay my tithes, attend church regularly “again” and I tell people who “I am comfortable with” about the Lord and what he’s done for me.
But nevertheless, I still want to stay behind the scenes. Why? It’s more comfortable for me. As Mike would say I’m in my comfort zone when I’m behind the scenes. Don’t ask me to come out of it because I am already doing my part. Why do I have to speak in front of everybody? That’s not me. I found out quickly that Pastor wasn’t going to allow me to stay in my confined circle. If I did, I would become stagnant and stunt my own growth. But The truth of the matter is - When you open your mind and your heart to his Word, a humble spirit will follow.
The word clearly says that we must humble ourselves before God and he will be the one to exhalt us to higher places. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks - I was doing the exact opposite. I was not humbling myself before the Lord for his favor, but before man. I have come to the conclusion that pleasing my Pastor and the people I love was only part of it.
Then just like that, I wanted to do this assignment for the right reasons. I no longer felt that I wasn’t good enough or saved enough to stand before you. I stopped allowing the enemy to keep telling me that I didn’t know enough of his word to speak it out loud. I started getting rid of the thoughts that I had too much stuff in my life to get up here and speak about the goodness of the Lord. Having these kind of thoughts made me “stumble” into self doubt.
That is not the ways of our Lord. He doesn’t teach us to have a spirit of fear. My ultimate goal is to praise the Lord and do the things that are pleasing in his eyesight and not mans. And as I learn through the teachings here at Christian Fellowship I know I can be what God wants or expects me to be in him. I am learning that using our gifts or strengthening ones we didn’t even know we had is a part of this walk.
This walk takes a lot of your personal time, it takes patience but most of all it takes reading his word daily for yourself. Once you do that and make it a routine, you can begin to apply it to your own life.
2-Timothy Ch2 vs 15 says “ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth”.
Now that’s inspiration. I believe that the real test is really between me and the God I serve and not as a contest between you and I. I must admit that it took this assignment to bring all these points out to the forefront for me. I consider myself a proud person, and I got it going on in a lot of ways. But, in those stumbling moments when I should be using his word to lift me up, I instead fall back, stagger, hesitate, stray off course, doubt, blunder and stumble face forward. But you know what--God has already given me the power to overcome all these things in his word.
In order to be more successful in my Christian walk, I must pray often, read his word every day and ask for discernment in what I am taking in. That way I can become more humble and stop looking toward man to exhalt me for my efforts no matter how subtle. I am not there yet, but I can honestly tell you this. I am not stumbling over my own feet as much as I use to. Jesus has already demonstrated what “true” humility is for all of us. He has surpassed all understanding when he gave up everything so that we could live.
In closing I leave you with this scripture, 1st Corithians 2 vs 9 - "however, as it is written, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who Love him". Now with that said---are you willing to Humble Before You Stumble?
Needless to say I rocked the house. So did the other 3 women. We all thought that we would fail before we even started the process. But I tell you this, We can do all things through Christ that strenghtens us!!! I am definitely reading my bible more and a whole new world is opening up before my eyes. Our Pastor was so pleased that he wants us all to do it again. All I could say was oh oh, now he wants us to be Evangelists, LOL, Ummmm, Evangelist Jones, kind of catchy isn't it.
Take care people, and know that the kid is back where she belongs. I like this a whole lot better than facebook. Besides, I don't even know how to use facebook, LOL ~ PEACE & LOVE
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Scripture for Today
Hello fellow bloggers ~ I pray that all is well with you.
Greatness Within
"However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves" (II Corinthians 4:7, AMP).
Did you know that you have greatness inside of you? As a believer, the Holy Spirit actually dwells within you. You have all the power and authority in heaven and earth living on the inside of you!
All throughout life, God gives us opportunities to discover that greatness on the inside of us. When we overcome obstacles, we are tapping into that strength and greatness within. One thing I've learned is that God doesn't allow big challenges to face small people.
You may be facing something big today. It may seem like it's over your head, but that is a sure sign you’re a big person with a big destiny. You may feel small, you may not see how it's going to work out, but you've got to remember who you are; a child of The Most High God. You have been created in His image. You're wearing your crown of favor, and you are carrying His greatness on the inside of you. Have the attitude that says, "This may be extraordinary, but I know I'm an extraordinary person serving an extraordinary God." Stand in faith knowing that you have the victory because you have His greatness living on the inside of you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your greatness on the inside of me. I choose to stand in faith today knowing that with You, I will overcome every challenge and every obstacle. I bless Your holy Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Wow what a powerful praise statement. When I read this particular scripture I started thinking about everything that has happened in my life last year and the beginning of this year. I recently discovered that my mother's sister is no longer in remission and her cancer has returned with a vengence. Now mind you right before my mom died we had lost one of her sisters and one of her brothers to cancer. Then my first cousin (who is the same age that I am) told me yesterday that she has cancer. She had already lost her son to some type of blood disorder the year before and he was only 19. A few months ago, a few of my younger cousins found out that they have cancer. On top of that, one of my friends lost her son another friend lost her sister and another close friend lost her husband this week. Needless to say I became overwhelmed with everything that was happening around me. At first I was like my God, what is going on! Why is there so much cancer in my family God? Why are so many people dying from sudden heart attacks God? Why are these deadly diseases affecting so many people that I care about God? WHY GOD??? DAMN!!! I was so so angry. Cancer is the same disease that killed my mother!! It started to seem like the more I served him the more things were going wrong. I know that sounds bad but let me finish and please excuse the cuss word. To me the enemy was attacking everything I cared about.
During this small breakdown, my mind was pondering over each event and then I started to pray. Suddenly, I started to feel at peace inspite of all the things I was complaining about. Why?? Because I have the gift. "His" holy spirit that dwells within me spoke to me softly and encouragingly said, be still. I am in control. It's time for you to use what I have given you to help others. Now I don't consider myself real religious but I'm telling you I felt like God was finally speaking to me and me alone. And just like that the weight of everything going on left my shoulders. I also know that God was giving me the opportunity to serve him more by telling others about his goodness. So now when I try to comfort someone I tell them that Jesus is the greatest comforter of all time. I pray for them and with them. I don't know if they believed me or not but I believe that some seeds were planted. Whatever happens after that I give God the glory.
Now, do I always feel this strongly. Heck no, I am still growing. What I do know is that I don't stay down anymore. I now seek the counsel of the most high. So believe me when I say "just like that" I felt renewed all over again. I was able to reach down deep and remember who I belong to.
In closing I just want to say that losing people we love is never easy.
We must learn to draw nearer to God during these times and help others who may not know him. It is in his word that we can have victory over a death sentence with an eternal life sentence just by accepting Jesus as our personal savior.
This is also the way to see our loved ones again. My friends......I can't even begin to tell you how good it feels to even utter those words I just said out loud.
So please excuse me for rambling on and thanks for listening ~ Luv Ya ~ PEACE~
Greatness Within
"However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves" (II Corinthians 4:7, AMP).
Did you know that you have greatness inside of you? As a believer, the Holy Spirit actually dwells within you. You have all the power and authority in heaven and earth living on the inside of you!
All throughout life, God gives us opportunities to discover that greatness on the inside of us. When we overcome obstacles, we are tapping into that strength and greatness within. One thing I've learned is that God doesn't allow big challenges to face small people.
You may be facing something big today. It may seem like it's over your head, but that is a sure sign you’re a big person with a big destiny. You may feel small, you may not see how it's going to work out, but you've got to remember who you are; a child of The Most High God. You have been created in His image. You're wearing your crown of favor, and you are carrying His greatness on the inside of you. Have the attitude that says, "This may be extraordinary, but I know I'm an extraordinary person serving an extraordinary God." Stand in faith knowing that you have the victory because you have His greatness living on the inside of you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your greatness on the inside of me. I choose to stand in faith today knowing that with You, I will overcome every challenge and every obstacle. I bless Your holy Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Wow what a powerful praise statement. When I read this particular scripture I started thinking about everything that has happened in my life last year and the beginning of this year. I recently discovered that my mother's sister is no longer in remission and her cancer has returned with a vengence. Now mind you right before my mom died we had lost one of her sisters and one of her brothers to cancer. Then my first cousin (who is the same age that I am) told me yesterday that she has cancer. She had already lost her son to some type of blood disorder the year before and he was only 19. A few months ago, a few of my younger cousins found out that they have cancer. On top of that, one of my friends lost her son another friend lost her sister and another close friend lost her husband this week. Needless to say I became overwhelmed with everything that was happening around me. At first I was like my God, what is going on! Why is there so much cancer in my family God? Why are so many people dying from sudden heart attacks God? Why are these deadly diseases affecting so many people that I care about God? WHY GOD??? DAMN!!! I was so so angry. Cancer is the same disease that killed my mother!! It started to seem like the more I served him the more things were going wrong. I know that sounds bad but let me finish and please excuse the cuss word. To me the enemy was attacking everything I cared about.
During this small breakdown, my mind was pondering over each event and then I started to pray. Suddenly, I started to feel at peace inspite of all the things I was complaining about. Why?? Because I have the gift. "His" holy spirit that dwells within me spoke to me softly and encouragingly said, be still. I am in control. It's time for you to use what I have given you to help others. Now I don't consider myself real religious but I'm telling you I felt like God was finally speaking to me and me alone. And just like that the weight of everything going on left my shoulders. I also know that God was giving me the opportunity to serve him more by telling others about his goodness. So now when I try to comfort someone I tell them that Jesus is the greatest comforter of all time. I pray for them and with them. I don't know if they believed me or not but I believe that some seeds were planted. Whatever happens after that I give God the glory.
Now, do I always feel this strongly. Heck no, I am still growing. What I do know is that I don't stay down anymore. I now seek the counsel of the most high. So believe me when I say "just like that" I felt renewed all over again. I was able to reach down deep and remember who I belong to.
In closing I just want to say that losing people we love is never easy.
We must learn to draw nearer to God during these times and help others who may not know him. It is in his word that we can have victory over a death sentence with an eternal life sentence just by accepting Jesus as our personal savior.
This is also the way to see our loved ones again. My friends......I can't even begin to tell you how good it feels to even utter those words I just said out loud.
So please excuse me for rambling on and thanks for listening ~ Luv Ya ~ PEACE~
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Daily Scripture
Good evening blog world and God's Blessings to you always. I know its been a while and I missed posting with you. No mini vacations, just working and blessed to be working. Although I complain about this and that sometimes I must pause to say "Thank you Lord for all you do even when I don't deserve it". Stay rooted my family of Palm trees! I appreciate you!
Nothing Can Hold You Back
"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree..." (Psalm 92:12).
Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a great storm or hurricane?
That tree may be bent so far over that it's almost touching the ground, but
when the wind finally stops, that palm tree bounces right back up. And do you
know that while that palm tree is hunched over under the pressure of the
storm, it is actually growing stronger?
The reason God said we'd flourish like a palm tree is because He knew there
would be difficult times. He knew things would come against us to try to
steal our joy and victory. God said, "You're going to be like a palm tree
because the storms of life will come, the winds will blow, but you are going
to come right back up again stronger than before." Nothing can hold you back!
No weapon formed against you will ever prosper. No matter what's happening in
the world around you, keep standing. Keep praying. Keep believing. Your
brightest days are right out in front of you, and God's plan is to bring you
blessing and victory all the days of your life.
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for making me strong in You. I trust that You are
working in my life, even in the midst of the storms. I know You will bring me
out stronger, wiser, and better off than ever before. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
To my blog buddies
Man I am so glad I finally found some time to catch up on your interesting posts tonight. Your latest blogs prompted me to pick out the above scripture I received a few weeks ago. Praise God that his word can reach us through this great instrument (the internet). I am always blessed in one way or another by what I've read here. I truly believe that we are all one of God's palm trees. There are times when we have to go through some heart breaking situations where we find ourselves tossing and turning, in disbelief (no this can't be happening to me syndrome) and having to bend over backwards. But the good news is we serve a God that is ever present. He doesn't put more on us then we can bare (even when we think its too much) and he gives us the strength to bounce back up again. It took a while for this to sink in my brain but I believe by his grace I got it now.
I must take the time again to thank you all for what you do in this special place. I hope to always be a source of encouragement to you as you are to me. From the moment I came in contact with the blog world, I found hope, encouragement, a vent spot, something to laugh about, shoulders to lean on, believers to share the word with and a blog family that I hold dear. May I always stay grounded in the word along with you. Again, blessings and love to you all and your families. ~ PEACE ~
Nothing Can Hold You Back
"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree..." (Psalm 92:12).
Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a great storm or hurricane?
That tree may be bent so far over that it's almost touching the ground, but
when the wind finally stops, that palm tree bounces right back up. And do you
know that while that palm tree is hunched over under the pressure of the
storm, it is actually growing stronger?
The reason God said we'd flourish like a palm tree is because He knew there
would be difficult times. He knew things would come against us to try to
steal our joy and victory. God said, "You're going to be like a palm tree
because the storms of life will come, the winds will blow, but you are going
to come right back up again stronger than before." Nothing can hold you back!
No weapon formed against you will ever prosper. No matter what's happening in
the world around you, keep standing. Keep praying. Keep believing. Your
brightest days are right out in front of you, and God's plan is to bring you
blessing and victory all the days of your life.
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for making me strong in You. I trust that You are
working in my life, even in the midst of the storms. I know You will bring me
out stronger, wiser, and better off than ever before. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
To my blog buddies
Man I am so glad I finally found some time to catch up on your interesting posts tonight. Your latest blogs prompted me to pick out the above scripture I received a few weeks ago. Praise God that his word can reach us through this great instrument (the internet). I am always blessed in one way or another by what I've read here. I truly believe that we are all one of God's palm trees. There are times when we have to go through some heart breaking situations where we find ourselves tossing and turning, in disbelief (no this can't be happening to me syndrome) and having to bend over backwards. But the good news is we serve a God that is ever present. He doesn't put more on us then we can bare (even when we think its too much) and he gives us the strength to bounce back up again. It took a while for this to sink in my brain but I believe by his grace I got it now.
I must take the time again to thank you all for what you do in this special place. I hope to always be a source of encouragement to you as you are to me. From the moment I came in contact with the blog world, I found hope, encouragement, a vent spot, something to laugh about, shoulders to lean on, believers to share the word with and a blog family that I hold dear. May I always stay grounded in the word along with you. Again, blessings and love to you all and your families. ~ PEACE ~
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Scripture for Today
Hey good people, I know its been a while since I've written. I've been busy getting ready for tax season. Yes, I'm a tax lady too. Hope you all like what I've selected today.
Hope in the Lord
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31, NIV).
Everyone has times when they feel tired and overwhelmed by the pressures of life. But notice, this scripture gives us a clear remedy: Hope in the Lord. It’s easy to put your hope in other things; maybe you had hope in a relationship, hope in a job, hope in the stock market. It’s time to redirect your hope to the One who will never let you down; the One who never changes, the Rock of Ages.
When you’re tempted to give up on your dreams, when you’re tempted to just settle where you are, listen to that still, small voice of hope on the inside that says, “No way. This is not who I am. I was created to live in victory. I was created to overcome this sickness. I was created to rise above these problems.” Put your hope and trust in the Lord because He is faithful! As you do, He will renew your strength. He’ll cause you to soar on wings like the eagle, and you’ll be empowered to move forward confidently into the victory He has for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, today I choose to put my hope in You. I know You have good plans for me. Thank You for renewing my strength and keeping me close to You. Fill me with Your peace and joy today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Isn't this wonderful to know. We have a God that is with us when we are up and down. He is doorway to new and bigger victories! Praise God that he is who is he! I am feeling better a little more each day and I can't do nothing else but thank him and all of you for your kindness and words of encouragement. I needed to hear every word that was spoken by you. I look forward to your comments and I hope my comments to you are encouraging as well. I still have my moments but I am finding comfort in church, posting with all of you and with close friends. Especially those who have been where I am. I can't thank you enough - PEACE!
Hope in the Lord
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31, NIV).
Everyone has times when they feel tired and overwhelmed by the pressures of life. But notice, this scripture gives us a clear remedy: Hope in the Lord. It’s easy to put your hope in other things; maybe you had hope in a relationship, hope in a job, hope in the stock market. It’s time to redirect your hope to the One who will never let you down; the One who never changes, the Rock of Ages.
When you’re tempted to give up on your dreams, when you’re tempted to just settle where you are, listen to that still, small voice of hope on the inside that says, “No way. This is not who I am. I was created to live in victory. I was created to overcome this sickness. I was created to rise above these problems.” Put your hope and trust in the Lord because He is faithful! As you do, He will renew your strength. He’ll cause you to soar on wings like the eagle, and you’ll be empowered to move forward confidently into the victory He has for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, today I choose to put my hope in You. I know You have good plans for me. Thank You for renewing my strength and keeping me close to You. Fill me with Your peace and joy today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Isn't this wonderful to know. We have a God that is with us when we are up and down. He is doorway to new and bigger victories! Praise God that he is who is he! I am feeling better a little more each day and I can't do nothing else but thank him and all of you for your kindness and words of encouragement. I needed to hear every word that was spoken by you. I look forward to your comments and I hope my comments to you are encouraging as well. I still have my moments but I am finding comfort in church, posting with all of you and with close friends. Especially those who have been where I am. I can't thank you enough - PEACE!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Scripture for Today
Hello everyone, hope you had a blessed Christmas and have an even more blessed New Year.
He Is Strong in You
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness..." (Romans 8:26 NLT).
Sometimes, people get distracted by what they consider to be a disadvantage
or weakness in their lives. It may be something about their personality or
looks that they don't like. Or maybe they've been through an unfair
situation: a divorce, a bad business deal, or a bad break. We all have things that can feel like disadvantages; things that make it harder on us.
It may even be a physical handicap where you can't get around like you used
to.
But just because you have a "disadvantage," just because you've been through
a tough time, doesn't mean you're supposed to sit back and settle where you
are. God still has something great for you to do! He wants to show Himself
strong in and through you. The Holy Spirit wants to help you when you feel
weak. If you will stay in faith and not get negative toward yourself or your
future, then God can take what you think is a liability and turn it into an
asset. What you think is a disadvantage, God will turn it around to be an
advantage so you can move forward into the abundant life He has for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, today I give You all that I am. I invite You into the weak
places in my life so that You can turn them into strengths. Thank You for
working in my life and filling me with faith and expectancy. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
For starters, during the Christmas holiday, I was going around smiling and trying to enjoy the many festivities that was going on around me. But the truth of the matter is I was actually quite depressed and not feeling much like a child of God. And even though most of the people closest to me knew why I was kind of sad, they had no idea that the enemy had me seriously thinking that God must not love me at all. If he did, he would take away these feelings that are invading my spirit. I was pretending to be happy around everyone and acting like the only important thing right now was the birth of Christ. Yes ladies and gentlemen, my pain was that deep. I didn't even realize it until I wrote it down in this blog. I know that must sound bad to you but I'm just being honest with you all and myself. So please let me finish this before you think I've just lost my mind for saying that part out loud. The fact is that my mom's death was and still is very traumatic to me and not having a significant other right now led to some of those thoughts too. So the enemy convinced me "temporarily" that something must be wrong with me. He had me looking at my life (in the wrong light) and my so called inperfections in the man sees thing.
Then God gave me this scripture to read and it fit me like a glove. Just reading these words reminded me once again of how blessed I truly am. I started to remember that when I fall short, God doesn't hold that against me and that all my past blemishes have been washed away. He already knows what I am feeling and will bring me the comfort I so desperately need if I allow his spirit to fill me. I am beautifully made I know even my darkest hour that God loves me today, he loved me yesterday and loved me from the very moment I came into this world.
~PEACE~
He Is Strong in You
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness..." (Romans 8:26 NLT).
Sometimes, people get distracted by what they consider to be a disadvantage
or weakness in their lives. It may be something about their personality or
looks that they don't like. Or maybe they've been through an unfair
situation: a divorce, a bad business deal, or a bad break. We all have things that can feel like disadvantages; things that make it harder on us.
It may even be a physical handicap where you can't get around like you used
to.
But just because you have a "disadvantage," just because you've been through
a tough time, doesn't mean you're supposed to sit back and settle where you
are. God still has something great for you to do! He wants to show Himself
strong in and through you. The Holy Spirit wants to help you when you feel
weak. If you will stay in faith and not get negative toward yourself or your
future, then God can take what you think is a liability and turn it into an
asset. What you think is a disadvantage, God will turn it around to be an
advantage so you can move forward into the abundant life He has for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, today I give You all that I am. I invite You into the weak
places in my life so that You can turn them into strengths. Thank You for
working in my life and filling me with faith and expectancy. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
For starters, during the Christmas holiday, I was going around smiling and trying to enjoy the many festivities that was going on around me. But the truth of the matter is I was actually quite depressed and not feeling much like a child of God. And even though most of the people closest to me knew why I was kind of sad, they had no idea that the enemy had me seriously thinking that God must not love me at all. If he did, he would take away these feelings that are invading my spirit. I was pretending to be happy around everyone and acting like the only important thing right now was the birth of Christ. Yes ladies and gentlemen, my pain was that deep. I didn't even realize it until I wrote it down in this blog. I know that must sound bad to you but I'm just being honest with you all and myself. So please let me finish this before you think I've just lost my mind for saying that part out loud. The fact is that my mom's death was and still is very traumatic to me and not having a significant other right now led to some of those thoughts too. So the enemy convinced me "temporarily" that something must be wrong with me. He had me looking at my life (in the wrong light) and my so called inperfections in the man sees thing.
Then God gave me this scripture to read and it fit me like a glove. Just reading these words reminded me once again of how blessed I truly am. I started to remember that when I fall short, God doesn't hold that against me and that all my past blemishes have been washed away. He already knows what I am feeling and will bring me the comfort I so desperately need if I allow his spirit to fill me. I am beautifully made I know even my darkest hour that God loves me today, he loved me yesterday and loved me from the very moment I came into this world.
~PEACE~
Friday, December 12, 2008
Something Different
Happy Friday people, I pray that all is well with you. I received this from a friend today and wanted to pass it along to you. If you have children you can truly relate to this. My children are grown now and have children of their own. However, I can still remember quite a few times when only a mother's love spared them their lives. Enjoy!
Kids in Christ:
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years
but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide. God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter. My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."
I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him. I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searchingfor baby chicks. I tried to be understanding...when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs. When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.
In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children. While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too. Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."
My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary,two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This
was their moment to shine. My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line,"We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said,"The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said,"That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes." A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.
I slouched a little lower in my seat when my Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll,
wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."
The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur." "My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.
What a beautiful story! I would also like to share this with you today:
Jesus had no servants,
yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree,
yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines,
yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army,
yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles,
yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime,
yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb,
yet He lives today.
Feel honored
to serve such a Leader
who loves us.
If you believe in God and in Jesus Christ His Son, pass it on ~PEACE~
Kids in Christ:
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years
but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide. God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter. My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."
I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him. I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searchingfor baby chicks. I tried to be understanding...when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs. When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.
In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children. While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too. Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."
My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary,two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This
was their moment to shine. My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line,"We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said,"The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said,"That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes." A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.
I slouched a little lower in my seat when my Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll,
wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."
The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur." "My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.
What a beautiful story! I would also like to share this with you today:
Jesus had no servants,
yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree,
yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines,
yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army,
yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles,
yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime,
yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb,
yet He lives today.
Feel honored
to serve such a Leader
who loves us.
If you believe in God and in Jesus Christ His Son, pass it on ~PEACE~
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday's Scripture
Happy Thursday people hope you enjoy the scripture today.
Choose Life
I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19, AMP)
Every day we have the opportunity to choose thoughts of life and victory or choose thoughts of defeat and despair. God promises that when we choose His ways, we are choosing life and victory.
Imagine that you’re holding a glass of dirty water. It’s full of all kinds of particles, sand, and dirt. If you were to start pouring good, clean water into that glass and let it overflow, eventually, all the dirty water would be gone and you would have a glass of perfectly clear water. Your life works the same way. You are renewed by the washing of the water of the Word of God. You may be carrying particles of dirt from the past. You may have old destructive habits or mindsets that you are trying to get rid of. But the more you pour God’s Word into yourself, the more clean and alive everything becomes. Don’t choose to sit around with that mucky, dirty water on the inside of you. Allow His Word to cleanse you by reading and declaring it over yourself every day. As you choose His Word, you choose His life, and you’ll experience His hand of blessing in ways you never dreamed!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for Your promise of life and blessing. I choose life in You today and invite You to wash me with Your Word. Help me to stay close to You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
God is so GOOD!! I am so glad he's in the washing away our sin business. Aren't you glad for that today. I know I am. I was a messy, unclean vessel but he is cleaning me up. THAT IS SO AWESOME YALL ~PEACE~
Choose Life
I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19, AMP)
Every day we have the opportunity to choose thoughts of life and victory or choose thoughts of defeat and despair. God promises that when we choose His ways, we are choosing life and victory.
Imagine that you’re holding a glass of dirty water. It’s full of all kinds of particles, sand, and dirt. If you were to start pouring good, clean water into that glass and let it overflow, eventually, all the dirty water would be gone and you would have a glass of perfectly clear water. Your life works the same way. You are renewed by the washing of the water of the Word of God. You may be carrying particles of dirt from the past. You may have old destructive habits or mindsets that you are trying to get rid of. But the more you pour God’s Word into yourself, the more clean and alive everything becomes. Don’t choose to sit around with that mucky, dirty water on the inside of you. Allow His Word to cleanse you by reading and declaring it over yourself every day. As you choose His Word, you choose His life, and you’ll experience His hand of blessing in ways you never dreamed!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for Your promise of life and blessing. I choose life in You today and invite You to wash me with Your Word. Help me to stay close to You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
God is so GOOD!! I am so glad he's in the washing away our sin business. Aren't you glad for that today. I know I am. I was a messy, unclean vessel but he is cleaning me up. THAT IS SO AWESOME YALL ~PEACE~
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