Don't Blame God!!!

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.   And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To him be the power for ever and ever.  Amen.  I Peter 5:6-11

Unfortunately, we live in a world that is not perfect.  A world that will shower us with hurt and pain.  In I Peter 4:12, it says, "Dear friend, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you."  Suffering is a normal part of life because the devil is prowling around trying to destroy God's children.  The devil wants us to fail, but God wants us to succeed.  Don't give into the devil's schemes.  Stand firm, hold on to God.  Trust Him, and He will deliver you.  In verse eleven above, it says that after we have suffered a little while, God, Himself, will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  Don't give in to weakness, and don't blame God.  This is what the devil wants you to do.  James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  God wants what is best for you, so don't give in to the devil's lies and believe that God has brought bad on you.  God brings good, and He WILL deliver you!!!!!

Whatever trial you are facing today, know that God loves you and He will deliver you!  We serve an awesome God!!!  A loving God!!!!  Trust in Him!  I Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  Let's join together in prayer and give it all to God!

Dear God,  Your Word says in Philippians 4:6-7 to not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  We do this is Jesus name!  We give you all the praise, glory for the victory!  In Jesus name, Amen!!

Be Still Before the Lord!

For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.  Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.  I John 3:19b-22

God wants to shower each one of us with His blessings, however He ask one thing in return.  He wants us to walk in obedience to Him.  Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Beautiful words of Jesus!  All we have to do is keep our eyes and hearts focused on Him!  This should be an easy task for us do with all God does for us.  Unfortunately, we have an enemy, the devil who prowls around looking for someone to devour constantly (I Peter 5:8).  He wants to confuse us and keep us distracted from the things of God.  Be still before God day!  Seek His face!  Spend time with Him in worship and praise!  You won't regret it!  Do it not because of what He can do for you, but do it because of who He is!  You will be blessed more that words can be expressed!

Have a fabulous day with Him!

Dear God, clear our hearts and minds so that we can hear Your voice, feel Your presence, and enjoy You today!  We love You with all of our hearts!  In Jesus name, Amen!!!

Lean Upon Jesus!

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16.  

We should never feel ashamed or afraid to approach the Throne of Grace in prayer.  God wants us to come to Him.  He wants us to seek Him in all things!  We are so blessed to have the opportunity to ask Him for help.

Further, it is a tremendous blessing that God sent His son to this earth just for me and you!  Jesus suffered so much just so you and I could be forgiven and live in eternity with Him.  Therefore, trust Him with all of your heart!  He understands!  He's been there!  He knows how you are feeling, and He wants to heal and restore your life!  Turn to Him!  God is the only One that can bring about the healing that you are seeking!  "Yes, in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, for I have come to overcome the world."  Powerful words of Jesus spoken in John 16:33.

We all have weakness, but with the help of Jesus, we can be restored and turn from the sin that keeps us entangled.  The devil wants to remind you of your weaknesses, but God wants to remind you of your strengths.  What a mighty God we serve!!!

Dear God, touch each one of us today!  Speak to our hearts!  Lead us in the way we should go!  Help us to keep our eyes focused on you!  In Jesus name, Amen!

What Do Your Thoughts Stayed Focused On?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33

Many times we travel through life wishing we had things that we don't, or wanting what others have.  However, instead of focusing on material possessions, we need to turn our focus to God.  The Word of God says, "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, NIV)".  Where are thoughts spending their most time on - things of God or earthly things.

James further goes on to say in chapter 4, verses 2-3, "You want something but don't get it.  You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want.  You quarrel and fight.  You do not have, because you do not ask God.  When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."  Wow!  James didn't sugar coat his message here, and neither should we.  If your life is not heading in the direction you think it should be, stand firm, and seek God with all of your heart.  There are so many things that we want, but the most important part of our life we need, we neglect - our relationship with God.

Let's rend our hearts, repent and surrender our all to God today!   You can never go wrong with God leading your every step!

Have a blessed day!

God Always Has a Purpose!

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.  his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."  John 9:1-3


Often times, we trudge through life wondering why things are happening to us and around us, just like the disciples did years ago.  Though we cannot explain many things that happen, we need to realize that God allows things to happen so that He can complete His work.  For instance, God did not bring my abuse into my life, the devil did.  However, God turned what the enemy meant for bad and turned it to good.  My past happened so that God could use me to help free others through the power of my Heavenly Father.  God knew that I would be an overcomer through Him, and that I would commit my life to helping others before I was even born.

Search deep within your hearts today, seek God with all of your hearts, and ask what your God given purpose is during your time on this earth.  You were not born by error.  God has a plan for you.  God has a victorious path for you.  Be still before Him today and allow Him to shower you with His presence.

Dear God, in Jesus name, I pray that you touch each one of my sisters in Jesus name.  I pray, in Jesus name that you take the bad from their past and turn it to good.  Help them to live in the now and in Your power, to allow You to lead their every step.  Dear God, in Jesus name, I pray that You deliver them from past hurt, pain, and in, so that they can fulfill Your calling on their lives.  In Jesus name, Amen!!!

Live in the Now!!!!

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Romans 8:1

Put the devil in his place!  You are a child of the King!!!  Stand in authority through the name of Jesus and take back what the devil has stolen from you and choose to live in victory!!!!

Forgiveness is Always the Key!

              Research has shown that 35% of women have reported emotional spousal abuse with 72% of them reporting that the emotional abuse affected them worse than the physical abuse.  Spousal abuse has been divided into seven categories – criticizing, ridiculing, jealous control, purposeful ignoring, threats of abandonment, threats of harm, and damage to personal property.  The long term psychological symptoms that affect women are depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, low self-esteem, learned helplessness, and resentment of the abuser (Reed & Enright, 2006). 
              It is time to regain control of your life, and it begins with forgiving those who have hurt or wounded you.  When we hold on to unforgiveness, we allow resentment and bitterness to grow so thick that it controls every aspect of our life - our relationships with others, our health, our attitudes, and our overall well-being.
              When you forgive others, you are not agreeing with their wrong, condoning what they did, making excuses for them or have to reconcile a relationship with them.  On the contrary, you are taking back control of your life and setting yourself free.  Trust me, as you begin to forgive others, a freedom that cannot be explained begins to flow throughout your body.  It is amazing, priceless and of God!  God wants you to be free!  Join with me today in prayer to begin your freedom!
              Dear God, in Jesus name, we come before you with humble hearts, knowing that You are the only One that can truly set us free.  We ask forgiveness for holding unforgiveness towards others!  Dear God, with Your help, I forgive all of those who have hurt or wounded me (Name them one by one and say, "I forgive, ____________, in Jesus Name.). We give You all the praise and glory in Jesus Name, Amen!


Reference

Reed, G. L., & Enright, R. D. (2006). The effects of forgiveness therapy on depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress for women after spousal emotional abuse. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(5), 920-929. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.74.5.920 

Forever In His Palms!!!

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.  Isaiah 49:15-16

What a fabulous promise this is from our Heavenly Father!  It doesn't matter what you have done, God loves you.  He will never forsake you!  God wants what is best for you.  He knows our hurts, pain and suffering.  When others turn their back on you, know that God is there with His arms opened wide to comfort you, love you, help you and bless you.  Trust in Him!  Don't listen to the lies around you.  The devil wants us to live in defeat, but God wants us to live in victory!  Praise the Lord!!!

Dear God, we praise You for loving us and taking care of us, especially during the times we feel like we can't take that next step.  Thank You for loving us so much that You have engraved us in the palms of Your hands.  You are such a great and wonderful God.  We love You so much!  Touch each one of us today!  Hold us!  Lead us!  Guide us!  In Jesus name, Amen!

With ALL our heart!

Trust in the Lord with all of thine heart.. Lean not on thy own understanding.. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path.. Proverbs 3:5-6

The most crucial word in this verse is the three letter word ALL.  God tells us to trust Him with ALL of our heart.  The problem is that many times we only want to trust Him with what we think He can handle.  However, if we would truly trust Him in ALL things, our lives would be so much smoother.  Only God knows what is best for each one of us.   Let's join together and take the "me" out of our vocabulary, and trust God with ALL of our heart.  Nothing is too big or small for God!

Don't Lose Heart!

I am the LORD, the God of all mankind.  Is anything too hard for me?  Jeremiah 32:27

Don't lose heart!  It doesn't matter what you are going through, God can help you.  There is nothing that God cannot do.  Take a moment, breathe, and lift all your cares and troubles to God.  He is the only one that can save you!  Trust in Him!  All you have to do is ask and believe!

HOPE is Alive!!!

HOPE!!!  Dictionary.com defines hope as "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best."

So many people have lost HOPE!  However, HOPE is something we all need.  People use the hope in a negative way so many times.  "I hope I get a raise."  "I hope I get better soon."  HOPE is a powerful word - a great word.  HOPE is knowing that you are going to get what you have asked for or are wanting.  HOPE is faith!

God never intended for His word HOPE to be used in a maybe sense.  God's meaning of HOPE is "confident expectations," and knowing without a doubt that it will happen.  God doesn't want bad to happen to you.  Look to Him!  Trust in Him!  He will see you through!  Turn your "I guess, maybe" thoughts of HOPE to "certainty, firm assurance."
 

 Psalm 27:4-5 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.  For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.

There is Hope!

April (fictitious name), is a seventeen-year-old young lady who is longing to fit in.  She stands in front of the congregation waiting for the pastor to pray over her.  When he ask who her earthly father is, she shrugs and says she doesn't know.  The pastor then glances over her shoulder and asks her mother the same question.  The mother replied that she really didn't know.  This was heart breaking.  The pastor looked the young lady in the eyes and told her that she had a Heavenly Father.  One who loves her very much.

People around us may turn their backs on us, but there is always hope.  God is the best Father anyone could ever dream of, and He will not abuse you.  If you are like April, and you do not know your father, or if your father abused you in any way, start fresh today clinging to a Heavenly Father that will hold your hand, love you and never leave your side.  This is a priceless gift! You never have to be alone!

Abuse Is Not My Fault!!!!

April (A fictitious name), is a delightful young lady.  Unfortunately, she couldn't see this for the longest time, because she was so oppressed from her childhood abuse.  She was told over and over again that she was ugly, a whore, and a nobody.  When she did try to better her life after high school, her confidence was taken back down because she was constantly reminded of her failures.  

This story is just a glimpse of what many of us have faced who have been abused.  April was sexually abused by her father and step brother.  She never really didn't know much different, although she hated every moment of it.  They made her feel like it was her job, her duty to them.  When she went to her father for help when the abuse first started with her step brother, he just laughed at her.  He told her that it was okay.  Next thing she knew, her own father would come visit her room every night too.  She lost all faith in men.

April closed her heart.  She began hating life!  She tried taking her life several times.  She drank.  She cut herself.  She had numerous sexual relationships with both men and women.  However, after years of mistakes, April stood before me and said the famous words, "It's not my fault!"  April has finally grasped the truth that she didn't do anything to deserve the abuse she had to endure as a child and teenager.  She decided that enough is enough and came for help.  She is beginning to experience firsthand that there is hope, there is freedom.  She is excited to begin the process of regaining control back in her life.  

Remember --- THERE IS HOPE!!!!! and IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT!!!!!!!

It's Not My Fault!

I will never forget when I learned the concept of these words, "It's not my fault."  For years after my abuse began, I thought somehow I was to blame for it.  Of course, how can a small child decipher anything different? All they know, is that they don't like it, and they don't want it to happen again!  It took me several years, after going through counseling to stand in freedom shouting these words from the depths of my heart.  I want each of you to realize that your childhood abuse was not your fault.  You can be set free!  You do not have to walk in despair, heartache, anger or pain any longer.  There is hope!  You can gain control of your life!  That's why I'm committed to Restore Hearts, Inc., a non-profit organization being built to help those who have been abused.  Don't be ashamed of your past any longer.  Don't hide from your past!  You did nothing wrong!  It's not your fault!  Come, let us work together to build a spectacular successful future!  We truly want to help!

Do Not Grumble!

"And do not grumble, as some of them did - and were killed by the destroying angel." I Corinthians 10:10 (NIV)

What a powerful verse for us to take to heart!  The devil is constantly prowling around like a roaring lion seeking those whom he can devour (I Peter 5:8).  He speaks lies to us trying to bring us down.  He wants God's children to think that their lives are horrible, that they are living in defeat, that there is no hope!  However, we know that this is a lie!  Instead, let's stand firm on the Word of God and His promises!  Let's resist the devil as Peter tells us, standing firm in the faith as there are people across the world undergoing the same kind of suffering (chapter 5, verse 9).  We are not alone.  And as I have shared in previous posts, Jesus himself suffered just as we do, so that He can help those of us who are being attacked and tempted too (Hebrews 2:18).  All we have to do is, "Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7.  The devil only has the power over us that we allow him.  So lets join together today, repent, stand our ground and put the devil where he belongs - not in our lives!  Hallelujah!  Praise God!  He is so good!

Dear God, in Jesus name, we come against the attacks of the devil.  We praise You that You love and want what is best for us, and that is not allowing the devil to have control of our lives.  Forgive us for giving the devil a foothold.  Forgive us for our words.  Forgive us for our grumbling.  We do not want to be like the Israelite's who wondered in the desert for 40 years when their trip to the promise land was just an eleven day journey.  Help us, God to take back control of our lives so that we can defeat the devil and his wicked ways.  We love you so much!  We give you the praise, honor and glory for the victory that is coming our way!  In Jesus name, Amen!

Meditate on these verses today and you worship God:

Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit.  Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 5:15-20

Praise the Lord!  Have a wonderful and blessed day!

God Will Renew Your Strength!

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  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 40:29-31

Are you walking in exhaustion today?  Are you tired and weary?  This can be a temporary walk.  All you have to do is turn to God and ask for strength and power.  Many times we go about our busy schedules not having enough time in the day to finish what needs to get done.  In the process of this, we stay weary, tired, frustrated and overwhelmed.  Further, while we are battling through the day to cross off everything on our list, we still have mental battles waging war in our minds.  Mental wars can consist of many things.  The ones that have been brought to my attention of late by listening to the words of others are as follows:  loneliness, spousal abuse, past sexual abuse, loss of a spouse, sickness, divorce, a child on drugs, marital problems and financial problems.  We all have issues from our present and past that hurt us.  However, think closely about what Paul shared with us in I Corinthians 2:16b, "But we have the mind of Christ."  Praise the Lord!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  Since we have the mind of Christ, and we are able to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ, let's clear our minds today.  Let's hand all of our problems over to God.  He can handle all things!

Dear God, in Jesus name, I ask that you touch each of us in a special way.  Only You know what each of us need and what we are dealing with.  I ask that You free each of us from the snares of the devil so that we can take every thought captive and bring it into obedience to you.  We thank You that we have the mind of Christ.  We thank You for who You are and for what You do for us.  We are so blessed to have You as our father.  Lord, God, I ask in Jesus name that You give us strength and power so that we can soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary and walk and not be faint.  We praise You for Your Word and how You minister to us through it.  We praise You that we have power in Your Word.  Your Word says in Isaiah that the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.  We praise You for this promise that we can know today from Your Scripture that we are being renewed in every way.  In Jesus name, Amen!

God Will Always Receive Us!

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.  Psalm 27:10

Wow!  What a blessing this is!  Though the world turns against us, - parents, siblings, friends - the Lord is always standing there with His arms held wide ready to receive us!  Praise the Lord!  This is a privilege and a gift.  Many of us suffer pain daily because of losing friends and family.  However, the only one that matters is God.  He is our refuge, the one we are to cling too and trust!  People will always let us down, but the Lord never will.  Who are you clinging to today?  Who are you trusting in today?

Jesus spoke in the gospel of John, chapter sixteen, verse 33, these words, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  Beautiful words!  God wants us to have and keep peace.  All we have to do is turn to Him and trust Him in all things.  Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Wow!  Priceless.  Whatever you are battling today, hand it over to God!  He doesn't want you to carry anything on your own.  Instead, He wants to carry our pain for us.  Let's reach for that peace today that will guard our hearts and minds Christ Jesus!  Rest in Him today!  God will NEVER let us down!

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.  Psalm 28:7

It is a joyous blessing to have God in my life!  Without Him, I am nothing!  He is my source of strength!  My heart does leap for joy as I praise Him this glorious day!  Let's join together and praise God together for who He is, what He has done for us, and what He is about to do!  I'm so thankful to have a Heavenly Father who loves me, cares about and for me, watches over me, protects me, and will never forsake me.  Let's not forget that though those around us may forsake us, God will always receive us!  Praise the Lord!

What is Best For You?

This is what the LORD says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:  "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.  If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea."  Isaiah 48:17-18

There is only one person who knows what is best for you - God!  However, the Word of God says that He teaches you.  This reminds me of a verse that James spoke to us.  He said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because  you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-4.  Every thing we go through in life is for a purpose.  God allows things to happen to us so that we will conform to His ways.  And as the Scripture in Isaiah says, He knows what is best for us.  All we have to do is trust Him.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with ALL of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." 

Many times we fail to trust God with ALL of our hearts.  We choose when we want His help.  This shouldn't be.  If we know that He knows what is best for us, we need to rend our hearts to Him.  Joel 2:12-13 says, "Even now, declares the LORD, return to me with all of your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.  Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."  Let's make today a new day!  Let's turn from our ways, and make them God's ways!  Let's let go and let God!  I want God's best for me.  How about you?

Dear God, in Jesus name, forgive us for not always trusting in You as we should.  Today we are turning from our ways, and asking You to teach us and show us Your way for our life.  We want Your best!  Dear God, we want Your peace like a river flowing through our lives and Your righteousness like the waves of the sea.  In Jesus name, Amen!

Who Are You Hanging With!!!

3 John 1:11:  "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.  Anyone who does what is good is from God.  Anyone who does what is evil has not see God."

What a powerful Word that has been given to us!  My dear friend quoted on facebook this morning, "With whom you surround yourself, is who you soon become."  I thought this was wonderful advice.  Then when I opened my Bible this morning it was on 3 John, chapter, and the first verse I saw was the one above.  I knew without a doubt that God was speaking to me.

Yes, it is very true that we need to do what is good and hang with others that will instill this in us.  However, over the course of my life, many times I have fret and cried with hurt when others left me out, even family members.  The spirit of rejection has haunted me for years, because I have always wanted everyone to like me.  Recently, God has been showing me that He often times weeds people from my life so that I do not fall from Him and His calling on my life.  It has helped to me realize that God truly doesn't want us to hang out with just anyone.  We have to be very careful who we allow into our lives.

Even in Galatians when we are instructed to help others, we have also warned to be careful to not allow others sins to become our own.  Galatians 6:1 says, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.  But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."  We need to always be on guard! The devil is just waiting to destroy us!  This is why we are instructed in Ephesians 6:10-11, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

I think we all need to sit before the Lord today, seeking Him with all of our hearts, and ask Him if who we are spending our time with is of Him, and helping us to grow stronger in Him.  Our life is not our own.  It is time that we take a stand, surrender our lives fully to the King, and walk as Jesus did!  Today is a new day!  Let's turn from our past and walk towards the calling God has placed on each of our lives.

Dear God, in Jesus name, forgive us of our sins.  We love you so much!  We are so blessed to have you in our lives.  Lord, we want to walk with You, talk with You, and truly get to know You.  Show us God who You want us to spend our time with.  Weed those from our lives that You do not want us to hang out with.  Show us Your ways, not our own!  In Jesus name, Amen!

Give all Your Cares to God!

My oldest son and I were having a heart to heart conversation last night about others openly blaming others for things that are not their fault.  This has happened a few times to my family over the last month.  My son just within the last week has been blamed for something that 100% couldn't have been his fault.  The reasoning from the accusers are almost hilarious.  It doesn't even make sense.  He further brought up a situation that just happened to me where someone blamed me for something that I had nothing to do with.  He said, "Mom, you didn't say a word.  You were home sick in bed.  You had no contact with anyone."  I explained to him that many people have to pass the blame in order think more highly of themselves.  I told him that you cannot worry about what others say and do.  In the long haul, God will reveal the truth.  Yes, it hurts to be falsely accused, but this happened to Jesus many times.

Jesus said very clearly in Luke 4:24, "I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his home town."  Again in Mark 6:4, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."  But yet again in Matthew 13:57, "Only in his hometown, and in his own house is a prophet without honor."  But listen what was said after this in verse 58, "And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith."  They missed out on the things of God!

Jesus had to suffer many of the things we did.  Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin."  Jesus understands our pain.  Go to Him for comfort instead of carrying the hurt and pain that others place on you.  I Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall."  God doesn't expect us to carry anything alone.  All we have to do is turn to Him, and give it all to Him.  What a blessing we have been given!

Dear God, in Jesus name, I ask that You touch each one of my sisters today!  Anoint them!  Bless them!  Fill them with Your presence!  I plead the blood of Jesus upon each one of them!  Touch them in a way that they will never forget it!  I pray that You remove all anxiety, stress, pain, and sickness from them!  I claim Your healing in Jesus name! Hallelujah!

Grab hold of your healing and don't let go!  Have a blessed day!

God Holds the Answers!

My middle son, Zachary will be beginning his adventure in law school in the fall of this year.  I am so proud of him.  His dedication to God and his studies over the course of his college years has proven to have been successful.  Zachary applied to seven law schools, and he was accepted to all of them.  His top two choices are Louisville and Cincinnati.  When I asked him where he was going to go, he said he wasn't sure yet.  He further shared that he thought God would just let him get accepted in the one law school that He wanted him to attend.  We laughed.  Instead, because of his faithfulness, God has opened an array of possibilities.  Now, we are praying that God will lead him to the exact place that He wants him to be.  Zach knows enough about God that if he is not where God wants him to be, his road may be a little bumpy.  It amazes me the faith my son has. This has really spoke magnitudes to me.  So many times, we want what we want regardless if God leads us.  You see, Zach's number one preference was Cincinnati.  However, now that he has gotten accepted to it, along with seven other law schools, he still is seeking God.  He wants to make sure that his plans are God's plans.  What a testimony this is!

Zachary's academic records are outstanding, which are opening up scholarships at some of these law schools.  He has asked me to pray that God will make it clear to him by the scholarships offered.  I ask that you join in with me as we seek God on this.  I know that God will make it clear to Zachary, and I know that God will offer him an incredible scholarship to the law school He wants him to attend.

Proverbs 16:9 says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."  When I opened my Bible this morning, I not only found this verse, but a picture of Zachary was laying on this page.  Wow!  God is amazing!  All we have to do is trust in Him, and He will lead the way!

Let's join together today in prayer and ask God what He wants for our lives.  His ways are the only ways!

Dear God, in Jesus name, we surrender our lives to you, and ask you to redirect our paths so that we are completely in line with Your will for our lives.  We love You so much!  We give You the praise and glory, In Jesus name, Amen!

Forget what is behind!

Last night at church, our pastor shared a wonderful verse from Isaiah, chapter 43, verses 18 & 19.  It says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wastelands."

Wow!  God makes it clear that we are not to dwell in our past.  If we allow our past to haunt us, get us down or keep us in bondage, we are taking heed from the devil's lies that he is whispering to us.  These Words are the very Words of God!

Furthermore, Paul also confirms this in Philippians 3:13-14.  He says, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one things I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Folks, we cannot continue to live in the past and do the work of God.  We have to let it go!

Paul also states in Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  What a beautiful promise that we have been given.  So when a glimpse of your past tries to get you down, speak boldly, "I do not receive this in Jesus name!  I have repented and have been forgiven.  I am a child of the King.  I receive no condemnation in Jesus Name!"

Many of us have faced many obstacles over the course of our life time.  Some more severe than others.  No matter your past of sin, hurt or abuse.  Give it all to God so that you can fulfill God's calling on your life.  You are special, and God has a beautiful plan for your life.  All you have to do is seek Him with all of your heart, and He will lead your every step.

Hold on to the Word God me years ago, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

Lord God, In Jesus name, I pray Your blessings, strength, hope and love over each person who is reading this. Meet their every need.  Shower them with Your presence.  Help each of us, dear God, to let go of our past so that we can truly surrender our lives to You for Your plans and will for our lives.  We love You so much!  In Jesus name, Amen!

Have a blessed day!

Listening to God's Voice

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.  James 4:17

Wow!  What a powerful statement that James, Jesus' brother spoke to us!  I know that we all have the best intentions at times, but yet there is that small voice of doubt that prevents us from doing what God laid upon our hearts.  A few years ago, God laid upon my heart to write a card and fill a gift bag with items that He led me to.  He asked me to prepare it and take it across the street to our neighbors.  The gentleman was the superintendent of our schools, and his wife was a teacher.  They were a wonderful couple, but we didn't spend time with them other than "hello's" when we'd see each other out.  

I questioned God, because I knew that they would think I was crazy.  For about a week, I kept putting this off.  I kept praying and asking God to give me confirmation if this was from Him.  Deep down, I knew God was telling me to do it, because I knew His voice and leading.  I just didn't understand this particular mission He had laid upon my heart.  It sounded crazy.  Lol!  One morning, when I was laying out in the sun enjoying my quiet time, I heard the words of God speak loud, "Get up right now, and take what I instructed you to take to the Jones (Fictitious name)."  My body immediately was filled with the Spirit of God.  I was tingling all over, and moving in His Spirit.  I went to my office closet and began filling a gift bag with a book, an angel, a candle, some candy and some other various things that God lead me to put in it.  I kept small gifts in this closet for times that God laid upon my heart to give to someone who came to my house to minister too.  God led me to a beautiful card that I sat down and filled out.  I wrote on the card that I was uncertain of why, but God had led me to give them a card and some gifts and let them know I was praying for them and loved and cared for them.  I told them that no matter what they were going through that God was holding them, watching over them and comforting them.  

After I had everything ready, I sheepishly crossed the road to their home.  At this point, I was a little timid because I wasn't sure how they would receive what I was about to do.  When they opened the door, I gave them a warm smile, and said, "I can't really tell you why I'm doing this besides God told me too."  I handed them the card and gift bag.  They both looked at me with tears in their eyes after reading the card.  They said, "Tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of our daughter's death."  Wow!  That was a God moment!  We hugged.  I prayed for them.  Their daughter had died unexpectedly while sneaking out of the house to go to a concert that they had forbid her to go too.  She died in a car wreck on the way home.  They not only lost their daughter, but they had lost her after horrible words were spoken by them both.

From that moment on, when God spoke I tried to do what He said even if it did seem strange to me.  I think that we as Christians need to make sure we keep our communication lines open with God so that we can help those around us.  All day Saturday, I heard the above verse in my mind.  I quoted it over and over again.  There have many times in my life that I knew the good that I should do and didn't do it.  Let's join together and make sure that we fulfill what the Lord is calling us to do!

Dear God, help each of us to get our lives back on track with You so that we can hear Your voice when You speak to us!  In Jesus name, Amen!

Have a blessed day In Him!

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God!

Psalm 91:9-16 (NIV) 
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge— 10 
then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will 
command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you 
up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread 
upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because 
he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges 
my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I 
will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my 
salvation.”

Many times, we as Christians set back and wonder why things happen to us like they do.  Yes, we will go through trials and tribulations as James writes about in his book, but there are numerous Scriptures that talk about how blessed and protected our lives will be if only we keep God the Most High dwelling in our lives.  Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."  What promises God has given to each one of us.  All we have to do is put Him first and keep Him first!  Let's join together today and make God first in our lives.  The reward will be much greater than you can even begin to imagine.  God loves you, and He wants to spend time with you!  He created You with His own hands.  He delights in every moment He gets to spend with you!  Never forget how special you are to Him!  Ignore the lies of the enemy that tries to tell you otherwise.  It doesn't matter what mistakes you've made in the past.  What matters is what you do right now, this very minute!  Once we turn from our sin and repent, God says in Isaiah 43:25, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more."  Hallelujah!  Though the world may want to constantly remind us of our past faults, God remembers them no more.  Praise the Lord!  Hold on to the promises of God as you venture into a relationship with God.


Take a few moments and worship God with this beautiful Scripture in song, "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," from Matthew 6:33.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8ifVNaN8pY&feature=related

You Can Always Be a Winner!!!!

Luke 10:19 - I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome ALL the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

The next time your world seems to crumble around you, stand firm on the Word of God, and take authority in Jesus name.  Jesus tells us very clearly that through Him, we can overcome ALL the power of the enemy.  There is no need to fret, worry or get upset!  Use the power God gave you to defeat the works of the devil.  Jesus came to destroy the devils work (1 John 3:8).  This is exactly what we need to do!  Destroy his works.  The devil only has the authority that we allow him to have of our lives.  Let's stand firm today and take back our lives and resist the devil schemes.  We can always be winners in Jesus name!!!!

Lord God, we thank You for the power You have given each one of us who believe in You!  We ask right now in Jesus name, that You would bring that power to life within each one of us so that we can destroy the works of the devil in our lives.  Help us to get back to Your will for our lives.  In Jesus name, Amen!

God's Plan is the Only Plan!

Nothing is coincidental for those who believe in God!  When our plans are altered or changed without our control, please know that God is working His plan in your life.  Proverbs 16:9 says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."  Don't let go of this!  Do not fret or fear when things do not go as planned.  Just praise God and ask Him to lead your next step.  His ways and path for us is all that matters.  So many times, we get so caught up in the busyness of this world that we forget about God's plan for our lives. God tells us, "Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10, NIV)."  His Word also says, "Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8).  Take time today to sit at your Father's feet!  There is nothing in this world that compares to the presence of God.

Dear God, In Jesus name, I ask that you touch each person today in a way that blesses each of their lives.  Anoint them!  Bless them!  Love them!  Hold them!  And lead them into Your plans that You have for them.  Dear God, Your Word tells us in Ephesians 2:10 that we are Your workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which You prepared in advance for us to do.  Right now in Jesus name, I pray that you redirect each of our paths so that they will line up with Your will for our lives.  Forgive us for allowing the things of this world to distract us from Your will, calling and direction for our lives.  Lord God, I ask that you help each one of us to get our lives back on track with You.  We love you God with all of our heart!  I plead the blood of Jesus over each one of us.  In Jesus name, Amen!

Have a blessed day, my friends!!!!

Give God Praise In All Things!

So many times people complain because of the chaos that is surrounding them.  However, we should turn our complaining, pain and frustration into praise.  God inhabits the praise of His people (Psalm 22:3).  A great story of this is when Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison for speaking the things of God.  Acts says in chapter sixteen that they were severely flogged and thrown into prison (vs. 23).  They had been stripped of their clothing and beaten (vs. 22).  We can't begin to understand the physical pain that they had to endure.  Instead of questioning God, getting upset with God, bad mouthing God, or turning their backs on God, they prayed to God and sang hymns to Him (vs. 25).  What a tremendous example for us to follow!  God is so good!

As Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to Him, they were also ministering to the others that were bound in prison.  In their distress, they still reached others for Christ.  In doing this, God rescued them.  God sent forth a violent earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison causing the prison doors to open and the chains of those bound to loose (vs. 26).  What a fabulous God we serve!  God freed Paul and Silas that night!  What a blessed occasion!  Paul and Silas' commitment to God not only saved them, but God used this miracle to bring the jailer and his household to God.  What a mighty God we serve!

God has so many things in store for each and every one of us!  All we have to do is believe, to trust in Him, and follow Him with all that is in within us!  When the devil tries to distract you making you believe there is no hope and God has left your side, begin singing songs of praise to God.  The devil hates it when we praise God!  James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  Just keep drawing closer to God, and He will take care of all of your needs!

Lord God!  We love You so much!  Touch and bless each and every person that is reading this post today!  Meet their every need!  We give You the praise and the glory in Jesus name!

Listen to this song, "Praise You in This Storm," by Casting Crowns!  Outstanding lyrics!  Keep praising God in your storm!  God is bigger than any problem, pain, illness or storm you will ever have to face!!!!  He will bring forth your victory!  Just keep believing in Him!

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth