What a wonderful God we serve! I want to first of all say thanks to all of you who send me thanks and encouragement as I seek God and do these post. God is touching and ministering to me as much as He is you. Thank you so much for your commitment to God. He is an amazing God, and He loves each one of us more than we could ever begin to imagine.
I pray God's richest blessings on each one of you as you begin this new week. Always put Him first and do everything as if you were doing it for Him.
I love you! Have a blessed day!
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
God is The Only Way!
Wow! What a week I've had. So many tears have been shed that I thought that I was dehydrated. It's amazing how much a mother loves her child. In my situation, it is my sons. They mean the world to me. I would do anything for them. Over the course of their life, being a single mother I had to make many sacrifices to make sure that they were taken care of. As I've mentioned before, I worked two jobs, cleaned houses and went to college full-time. I had to learn how to cut and color my own hair to save money. That took some time, but I did it. I'll never forget the first time I attempted this. I stood in front of the mirror and asked God to help me since He knew the sacrifice I was making. Believe it or not, it turned out okay. I still to date, haven't been to a hairdresser so that I can save money. When my oldest son from Alabama comes in, I let him cut it. Otherwise, it's just me and God.
Another thing I did was sacrifice eating. When there was little food in the house, I would cook supper for the boys when they got home from football practice telling them that I had already eaten. This worked for a while, until my middle son I think picked up on it. I guess because I had lost so much weight, he was questioning whether I was eating. I'd work at Nestle twelve hour shifts and not eat to save money. I would then come home and eat a snack of whatever I thought the boys wouldn't want. However, it wasn't long until my son wouldn't eat until he saw with his own eyes that I had eaten. He would put less portions on his plate to make sure there was enough food to fill me and his brother. He wouldn't get seconds until we were away from the table, and he knew we had eaten and were full. His thoughtful gestures brought tears to my eyes every night. Here, I was trying to make sure they ate and were satisfied, and he was doing the same for his mother. What a beautiful picture!
You see, God is just like this with us. It is not any of us who provide for ourselves, it is God who provides everything we have, where we live, what we wear, what we eat and where we work. He is the One who watches over us and provides our every need. All we have to do is seek Him with all of our heart. A wonderful memory that I have with my youngest son that we still discuss today is over a small can of tomato paste. Over the course of my life, there wasn't a meal that I cooked that I didn't sit in the floor and ask God to help me fix a wonderful meal for my family that would be healthy and taste good for them. The miracles He displayed through this was breathtaking many times. His meals are the best. This particular evening, however, I had some pinto beans, beats, sauerkraut and a small can of tomato paste in the cabinet. Caleb, my youngest son, said that he was hungry for spaghetti. I told him that we could pray over the tomato paste and ask God to help me make homemade spaghetti sauce. We dropped to our needs and anointed that can of paste and asked God to give me the wisdom to make the sauce. Caleb still brags on that sauce today. He says that it was the best He's ever had. You see, with God, all things are possible. His ways are best. God says in Jeremiah 32:27, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Today, give everything to Him. Allow God to work in your life. Allow Him to have complete control. Trust in Him! He will provide your every need.
I still have to sacrifice to meet all of my boys needs. I cut their hair, a gift God blessed me with. I send them with groceries to eat at college every week. Many times, I clear out my refrigerator and cupboards to make sure they have plenty of food to take back with them. I want to make sure that they have everything they need, from clothes, hair cuts, and toiletries all the way to food for their bodies and spiritual food for their soul. I wouldn't change a thing. I still forfeit eating during the day so that I have enough to provide them. If I feel this way toward my own children, can you imagine just how much God feels about me and you. We are His children. He loves us like no other. Surrender all your cares and anxieties on Him today! He will make your path straight!
Dear God, in Jesus name, we surrender our lives to You today! Forgive us, Lord, for all the times that we try to play God. Help us to get the "me" out of our vocabulary so that we can fully allow You to work in our lives. We love you so much! Dear God, please bless each one of us. Lead, guide and direct our every step. We praise You for who You are! You are amazing! We praise You for just being You! We praise You for all You've done for us and all You're going to do! Hallelujah! In Jesus name, Amen!
Another thing I did was sacrifice eating. When there was little food in the house, I would cook supper for the boys when they got home from football practice telling them that I had already eaten. This worked for a while, until my middle son I think picked up on it. I guess because I had lost so much weight, he was questioning whether I was eating. I'd work at Nestle twelve hour shifts and not eat to save money. I would then come home and eat a snack of whatever I thought the boys wouldn't want. However, it wasn't long until my son wouldn't eat until he saw with his own eyes that I had eaten. He would put less portions on his plate to make sure there was enough food to fill me and his brother. He wouldn't get seconds until we were away from the table, and he knew we had eaten and were full. His thoughtful gestures brought tears to my eyes every night. Here, I was trying to make sure they ate and were satisfied, and he was doing the same for his mother. What a beautiful picture!
You see, God is just like this with us. It is not any of us who provide for ourselves, it is God who provides everything we have, where we live, what we wear, what we eat and where we work. He is the One who watches over us and provides our every need. All we have to do is seek Him with all of our heart. A wonderful memory that I have with my youngest son that we still discuss today is over a small can of tomato paste. Over the course of my life, there wasn't a meal that I cooked that I didn't sit in the floor and ask God to help me fix a wonderful meal for my family that would be healthy and taste good for them. The miracles He displayed through this was breathtaking many times. His meals are the best. This particular evening, however, I had some pinto beans, beats, sauerkraut and a small can of tomato paste in the cabinet. Caleb, my youngest son, said that he was hungry for spaghetti. I told him that we could pray over the tomato paste and ask God to help me make homemade spaghetti sauce. We dropped to our needs and anointed that can of paste and asked God to give me the wisdom to make the sauce. Caleb still brags on that sauce today. He says that it was the best He's ever had. You see, with God, all things are possible. His ways are best. God says in Jeremiah 32:27, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Today, give everything to Him. Allow God to work in your life. Allow Him to have complete control. Trust in Him! He will provide your every need.
I still have to sacrifice to meet all of my boys needs. I cut their hair, a gift God blessed me with. I send them with groceries to eat at college every week. Many times, I clear out my refrigerator and cupboards to make sure they have plenty of food to take back with them. I want to make sure that they have everything they need, from clothes, hair cuts, and toiletries all the way to food for their bodies and spiritual food for their soul. I wouldn't change a thing. I still forfeit eating during the day so that I have enough to provide them. If I feel this way toward my own children, can you imagine just how much God feels about me and you. We are His children. He loves us like no other. Surrender all your cares and anxieties on Him today! He will make your path straight!
Dear God, in Jesus name, we surrender our lives to You today! Forgive us, Lord, for all the times that we try to play God. Help us to get the "me" out of our vocabulary so that we can fully allow You to work in our lives. We love you so much! Dear God, please bless each one of us. Lead, guide and direct our every step. We praise You for who You are! You are amazing! We praise You for just being You! We praise You for all You've done for us and all You're going to do! Hallelujah! In Jesus name, Amen!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Pressing On!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20
This was the favorite verse of my best friend, Sandy, who died of brain tumors a few years ago. She was a remarkable woman of God. I loved her so deeply. God used her to minister to me in many different ways. She was never down. She was always full of praise to God regardless of her situation. She was always quoting Scripture. She always spoke the things of God no matter who she was around – the rich, the poor, the Amish. Sandy was just Sandy no matter the audience that surrounded her. I remember one day when I was helping her clean an office, she began speaking salvation to a millionaire who owned the business. As I heard her speak, I began slipping off to the back of the office acting as if I was cleaning another room. Sadly, I was embarrassed. I knew this gentleman quite well.
It wasn’t too long after this that Sandy showed up at my doorstep with a horrible headache. There was never a day that she didn’t show up at my house, even if it was for just a minute. If we were eating, she’d sit and eat with us. If we were watching television, she’d sit and watch it with us. It didn’t matter what we were doing, she’d join in like she’d been doing it the entire time. However, this particular day was the last day that Sandy came by my house. Multiple brain tumors took her life.
I tell this story because at her funeral, the rich, poor, atheists, and Amish were there shedding tears for the loss of this great woman of God. She was only forty-five – so young - but she made a tremendous impact on many peoples lives. It didn’t make sense to me at all. I did, however, learn a valuable lesson from her – to always share the Word of God to those who cross my path. Sandy wasn't ashamed of her God, and she wanted all of her friends and family to join her heaven. God is a great God! He is the only God! He is our source of strength! It’s time to rise up, take hold of Him, and soar through life as an eagle doing His work for our lives. Because of the power that God has placed in our lives for us who believe, God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. It’s His Will to bless us, lead us, guide us, love us, and help us in everything we do. If life isn’t exactly where you want it to be, then step back, draw nigh to God so that He can draw nigh to you. Let Him speak His plans in your life. There is nothing that God cannot do.
Today is the day for victory. Today is the day for God’s favor. Today is the day for a fresh start.
Let’s join together, repent and seek God with all of our hearts. Let’s take back what the devil meant for bad and allow God to turn it to good. Paul tells us in Philippians to forget what is behind and press on toward the goal that God has placed before us. We can do it!!!!
Dear God, in Jesus name, help us to let go of everything that is keeping us from You. Use us! Lead us! Guide us! Direct us! Help us to get where we need to be so that we can serve You with all of our hearts by doing what You called us to do before we were even born. Continue to place Your Word in our hearts and minds so that we can live the life You’ve called us too. We love You so much, and we praise You for all things. In Jesus name, Amen!!!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
It is Crucial to Forgive Others!
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
Over the course of my life, I have had to battle numerous times about forgiving those who had hurt me. Many times, I didn't want to, but God wouldn't let me rest until I did. It is the verse I've shared above in Matthew that God used to keep my life on path when it came to forgiving those around. How powerful it is, the very words of Jesus, that if we don't forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. I needed God to forgive me. I needed His presence in my life to see me through. I needed Him to hear my prayers and help me. I just plain old needed Him. Without God in my life over the years, I couldn't have made it.
A book that God placed in my path that also helped me in this area is "The Bait of Satan" by John Bevere. Amazing book on conquering unforgiveness. By the time I was finished reading that book, I was forgiving people that I didn't even know I was holding unforgiveness towards. I felt like a different person.
Many of you may think that, "Sure, it's easy for her. She hasn't had very much bad done to her." Let me tell you, my friend, many times I was hurt so deeply by rumors and things people did to me, that I didn't think I would be able to leave my house and face the world. It was only through the strength of God that I was able too. I remember after my divorce, and rumors were spreading so severely, that I finally told my mother that in time people would see the truth. Rumors were spread that I was a drug dealer and a lesbian. Though there were others, these two crushed my spirit. I had to hold my head high and forgive people that I thought were my friends that were repeating these rumors.
On top of this example, I've also had to forgive someone for sexually abusing me. I've experienced sexual, physical, emotional and verbal abuse many times over the course of my life. None of it was fun. And no, I didn't want to forgive those who hurt me, but I knew that I had too.
You see, forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person. It has to do with your well being. Unforgiveness and bitterness can lead to depression, anger, cancers and other illnesses. It is a deadly tactic that the enemy tries to keep us in bondage with. However, the moment you ask God to help you forgive those who have hurt you, the most wonderful peace comes over your body. Forgiveness brings you closer to God. Forgiveness brings about freedom. Forgiveness allows you to enjoy the life that God created you to live. It is a beautiful thing.
Let me encourage you today to truly forgive anyone that has hurt you in anyway. Don't let this be a stumbling block in your life any more. Yes, it is hard, but it will be more than worth it once you experience the freedom in Christ that comes with it.
I was listening to Pastor Hagge on television one night while I was going through a very hurtful time with a family that had severely wounded me by their words and avoidance. I had spent hours crying out to God in pain. Pastor Hagge said something that night that will always be a part of my life. He said to bless those who persecute you, and pray for those who hurt you. Romans 12:14 tells us to bless and not curse them who hurt or persecute us. I thought to myself, "Yeah, right!" I didn't want to do this, but I knew I had to in order to experience the freedom I needed. Every day when I took my sons to school, I'd pass this families home. I'd pray God's blessings upon their entire family and asked God to meet their every need. As each day passed, I felt a much greater peace. Within a few days, I truly meant these words from my heart. Before I knew it, I was praying good things for this family. I had forgot about the pain, truly forgave, and turned my thoughts and prayers towards blessings for them.
Join with me today in beginning a new journey in your life. Today is the today to truly forgive everyone that has hurt or wounded you.
Dear God, In Jesus name, I ask that you touch each person today. Bless their lives. Speak to their hearts and show them, dear God, those they need to forgive. Help them today to hand over all of their pain to You. Help them to see that the devil is holding them and bondage, and You want to set them free. Hallelujah! Your Word says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17) Praise God! Dear God, I ask that You hover over each one of them today and fill them with the freedom that they deserve. We love you so much, and we praise You from the depths of our heart! In Jesus name, Amen!
Over the course of my life, I have had to battle numerous times about forgiving those who had hurt me. Many times, I didn't want to, but God wouldn't let me rest until I did. It is the verse I've shared above in Matthew that God used to keep my life on path when it came to forgiving those around. How powerful it is, the very words of Jesus, that if we don't forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. I needed God to forgive me. I needed His presence in my life to see me through. I needed Him to hear my prayers and help me. I just plain old needed Him. Without God in my life over the years, I couldn't have made it.
A book that God placed in my path that also helped me in this area is "The Bait of Satan" by John Bevere. Amazing book on conquering unforgiveness. By the time I was finished reading that book, I was forgiving people that I didn't even know I was holding unforgiveness towards. I felt like a different person.
Many of you may think that, "Sure, it's easy for her. She hasn't had very much bad done to her." Let me tell you, my friend, many times I was hurt so deeply by rumors and things people did to me, that I didn't think I would be able to leave my house and face the world. It was only through the strength of God that I was able too. I remember after my divorce, and rumors were spreading so severely, that I finally told my mother that in time people would see the truth. Rumors were spread that I was a drug dealer and a lesbian. Though there were others, these two crushed my spirit. I had to hold my head high and forgive people that I thought were my friends that were repeating these rumors.
On top of this example, I've also had to forgive someone for sexually abusing me. I've experienced sexual, physical, emotional and verbal abuse many times over the course of my life. None of it was fun. And no, I didn't want to forgive those who hurt me, but I knew that I had too.
You see, forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person. It has to do with your well being. Unforgiveness and bitterness can lead to depression, anger, cancers and other illnesses. It is a deadly tactic that the enemy tries to keep us in bondage with. However, the moment you ask God to help you forgive those who have hurt you, the most wonderful peace comes over your body. Forgiveness brings you closer to God. Forgiveness brings about freedom. Forgiveness allows you to enjoy the life that God created you to live. It is a beautiful thing.
Let me encourage you today to truly forgive anyone that has hurt you in anyway. Don't let this be a stumbling block in your life any more. Yes, it is hard, but it will be more than worth it once you experience the freedom in Christ that comes with it.
I was listening to Pastor Hagge on television one night while I was going through a very hurtful time with a family that had severely wounded me by their words and avoidance. I had spent hours crying out to God in pain. Pastor Hagge said something that night that will always be a part of my life. He said to bless those who persecute you, and pray for those who hurt you. Romans 12:14 tells us to bless and not curse them who hurt or persecute us. I thought to myself, "Yeah, right!" I didn't want to do this, but I knew I had to in order to experience the freedom I needed. Every day when I took my sons to school, I'd pass this families home. I'd pray God's blessings upon their entire family and asked God to meet their every need. As each day passed, I felt a much greater peace. Within a few days, I truly meant these words from my heart. Before I knew it, I was praying good things for this family. I had forgot about the pain, truly forgave, and turned my thoughts and prayers towards blessings for them.
Join with me today in beginning a new journey in your life. Today is the today to truly forgive everyone that has hurt or wounded you.
Dear God, In Jesus name, I ask that you touch each person today. Bless their lives. Speak to their hearts and show them, dear God, those they need to forgive. Help them today to hand over all of their pain to You. Help them to see that the devil is holding them and bondage, and You want to set them free. Hallelujah! Your Word says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17) Praise God! Dear God, I ask that You hover over each one of them today and fill them with the freedom that they deserve. We love you so much, and we praise You from the depths of our heart! In Jesus name, Amen!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Set Your Hearts and Minds on Things Above!
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2
Today I was hurt by something someone said and did. Even though I have forgiven the person, my heart has stayed heavy most of the day, even to the point of not smiling. Those of you who know me, know that I smile all of the time. When I opened my Bible up tonight after praying, God spoke to me with the Scripture above. I immediately asked forgiveness and changed my thoughts. I started thinking about things above. Many times we find ourselves getting so caught up in the moment that we forget about what is important.
Tonight, I'm setting my heart and mind on the things above. The devil tries to destroy our happiness. However, true happiness comes from God. As long as we stay focused on Him, we can have a peace within us that will bring joy to our hearts in all circumstances.
I pray that whatever challenges each of you are carrying, that you can lift them to God and trust Him to take care of them. Don't let the devil rob you of your joy. Set your hearts and minds on things above, heavenly things, not earthly things. Stay focused on the things of God.
Have a blessed day in Him!
Dear God, I pray that you touch the lives of each person that is reading this post. I pray that you meet their every need. I pray that you will help them set their hearts and mind on You. We love you so much! In Jesus name, Amen!
Today I was hurt by something someone said and did. Even though I have forgiven the person, my heart has stayed heavy most of the day, even to the point of not smiling. Those of you who know me, know that I smile all of the time. When I opened my Bible up tonight after praying, God spoke to me with the Scripture above. I immediately asked forgiveness and changed my thoughts. I started thinking about things above. Many times we find ourselves getting so caught up in the moment that we forget about what is important.
Tonight, I'm setting my heart and mind on the things above. The devil tries to destroy our happiness. However, true happiness comes from God. As long as we stay focused on Him, we can have a peace within us that will bring joy to our hearts in all circumstances.
I pray that whatever challenges each of you are carrying, that you can lift them to God and trust Him to take care of them. Don't let the devil rob you of your joy. Set your hearts and minds on things above, heavenly things, not earthly things. Stay focused on the things of God.
Have a blessed day in Him!
Dear God, I pray that you touch the lives of each person that is reading this post. I pray that you meet their every need. I pray that you will help them set their hearts and mind on You. We love you so much! In Jesus name, Amen!
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