God Creates Great People ….

And they make themselves small.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”

 

Image Source: soupbelly.com

Why is this?

I am not sure. I have heard many answers:

1. False humility.

2. Fear

3. Self-imposed limitations

4. Doubt

5. Lack of Courage

6. Lack of Funds

7. Confusion regarding ‘how to’

In my opinion, if nothing else as people of God, we must follow His example.

He looked at the joy that was set before Him and dedicated His life, at all cost, to be about His father’s business.

#BeGreat Don’t settle being anyone less than who God seeded into you to be.

#FeelingDetermined

 

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Ask, Seek, Knock

I believe that I heard the Lord say something and I want to share it with you… Ask. Seek. Knock.

Many times the enemy tries to intimidate us into not asking the Lord for things.

He tries to make us feel like we’ve sinned too much.
done too much bad stuff,
he reminds us of our pasts- even things we’ve repented for.
he tells us that we are likely to commit the same sin again…

The Devil is a liar! (And his breath stinks, lol)
His job is to steal, kill, and destroy – your mind, your health, your physical possessions, and your seat in heavenly places!

Ask for it anyway!

God knew you were going to do those things and He still chose you.

The Lord placed that desire in your heart for a reason,
Push through all doubts and ask for it anyway!
Ask, and have faith to believe that it will come to pass!

Be honest with the Lord, Yes I know that I’ve done _ and _.
Please forgive me. Set me in a place in my heart where I do not sin against you.
I know that was stupid.
Please help me, Lord, I need you!

I now that I don’t deserve _, but Lord, please do it anyway!
Trust, believe, and get your blessing!

‪#‎GoGetIt‬

I hope that this post blesses you! Much love!

Source: http://www.zazzle.com

The Final Say

Remember that God has the last word.
Not your boss!
Not your family or friends!
Not the Dr!

The final say is reserved for Jesus Christ.

Image Source: Christianstt.com

It is a priveledge that is reserved for Jesus and He alone.
Jesus is..
Author and Finisher
Alpha and Omega
Beginning and Ending

Stop being stressed, anxious, or worried when you get bad or otherwise unfavorable news. When you do that, you yield power over to those alternatives.

Trust in the Lord, delight yourself in Him.
He loves you and cares for you.
He promised to never leave or forsake you. If you’re not already, get on #TeamJesus proactively let Him have the final say over your life!

#TheFinalSay #TeamJesus #JustChillin

Does It Really Matter?

Good morning all,

Before you start embracing the day, take a few moments to reflect on your life- what you have done and what you are doing now. Think about your plan or vision or dream.  Does it really matter?

I remember learning about the three states of matter-

 

 

Source: http://fc2.galenaparkisd.com/~azavala/?OpenItemURL=S05689BB3-05689BB3

I remember questioning if gases were matter … we cannot see gases, are they really real?

Sometimes, when we get distracted, we think that because something is not presently tangible that it is not real.  Surely, gases are real, because when brought to the proper temperature, they become solid.  God is a spirit, and they that worship Him worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. When the heat turns up in your life, you can depend on a solid, the Rock, Jesus Christ.  Yet, one day, not many days hence, we shall behold Him.

When we do, I pray that we have spent our lives doing what matters and that what have done will solidify as we stand before God.

Think about your life. As you think, think about:

your level of influence.

the time that you are investing into your projects.

the people that you are working with, helping, etc.

 

THEN be honest about the long-term effects of your effort, your life’s work.

Will what you are doing matter in eternity?

Know that the most important things that you can do for your self and for others is prepare for eternity…

After all, that is why we are here. To prepare for what lies after this.

Nothing else matters.

No matter how much money you make, no matter your title at work, and yes, even in the church.

If you have a title, great, what are you doing with it? Don’t get caught up with the humanistic viewpoint or expectations of your title. Seek God.

Are you being a light, and consistently pointing people to Christ?

If not, change gears.  Don’t waste your life, your time, and don’t waste other people’s time either.

#DontWasteYourLife

If You Don’t Like What’s Growing In Your Life Change The Seeds You Plant

Yesterday, I blogged about how people of God should promote peace.

I ended my post with this hash tag:

#IfYouDontLikeWhatsGrowingInYourLifeChangeTheSeedsYouPlant

Take note:

Life and death is in the power of your tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

What ever you say will manifest in your life, Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops (Luke 12:3).

Speak love, love, and be loved.

Speak peace, be peaceful, and surrounded by (people with) peace.

 

Look at the Genesis account,

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:1-4).

Surrounded by darkness, God said, Let there be light, and there was light.  🙂

#StrivingtoBeLikeMyDaddy

Blessed are the Peacemakers

People of God, please promote peace.

People should look to you for peace.  I know that what you want to say is ‘true’, but ask the Holy Spirit if you need to say it out loud … Ask because what you want to say may be lawful, but not expedient.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).

 

Moreover, Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9).

Be encouraged to let healthy words come out of your mouth!

#IfYouDontLikeWhatsGrowingInYourLifeChangeTheSeedsYouPlant

Father, May I?

As a kid, I played the game ‘Mother May I?’

Image Source: http://www.icebreakerideas.com

It was fun, I guess. We played it all of the time.

In my family we were told to ask, to say please, and thank you.

So I get that we always want ask. In the past, and sometimes even now when I’d ask my heavenly father questions about things, get into patterns of mild desire, failing to push past the mildness, and walk in what I was destined to receive.

I have often expressed desire…
Oh Lord, that I may bring glory to your name with my life!
Oh Lord!
I had often asked:
May I bring glory to your name with my life?
May I be a light?
May I share?
May I encourage?
May I edify?
May I suffer long?
May I show mercy?
May I be gentle?
May I give someone hope?
May I touch someone’s life with my mine?
May I be a light in darkness?

Today, I know that it does not make sense to ask Him questions He as already given us the answers to.

Stop trying to drive in neutral or be in the state of analysis paralysis.

Remember what he already to you.
Just do it!

#MotherMayI
#FatherMayI
#DoWhatHeAlreadyToldYouToDo

We Are But Grass

Good people make hard times so much more bearable!  … And the good times so much sweeter.

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field (Isaiah 40:6).

When I look into the faces of my grandparents, parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews, I am #Grateful. I know that I only have them for a season and cherish them.

Count your blessings, every one! You won’t have time to be ungrateful!

Sure? Unsure?

I remember that there was a commercial advertising deodorant years ago.  In it, there was a stadium or auditorium full of people.  Those who were ‘sure’ lifted their hands, those who were not ‘sure’ did not lift theirs.

Image Source: Sure.com

There is nothing more important in this lifetime than being sure of our salvation.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:8).

 

I decree and I declare, that we be confident in Christ!

#Sure

#ConfidentInChrist

God is Able, Forever!

Cast your Cares Onto our Lord, Jesus Christ:

I Kings 8:57
The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

We cast our cares upon him because He is able forever!
Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
—
Jude 1:24
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

—
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

He is Able, Forever, So Cast Your Cares on Jesus, He Cares for You!

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go

It’s funny that I’ve heard the expression, ‘On your mark, get set, go!’ countless times in my life but feel like just this morning God revealed something unto me about it.

On Your Mark
Being ‘on your mark’ is about being at and in the right place.
Physically, emotionally, mentally…
We need to be able to say:
… Lord, I’m here, with all of me.

There have been many times when I was physically somewhere but mentally somewhere totally diffrent!

On a similar note,there were instances when I was close to, kinda-sorta-almost-where I was supposed to be, but not exactly where I was supposed to be.
I remember when I was a student at FAMU, some of us used to say,
‘I went to the game’ or
‘I was at the game’ or
‘I’m at the game’ lol …

Truth be told, it was a common thing for us to, even if we had tickets, to not be ‘In the game’.
… This is because we saw more benefit of hanging out at the vendors, buying T’s, food, drinks, or snacks, artwork, walking, talking, and laughing … than actually watching the football game in the stadium. We liked the environment outside of the stadium more.

I guess we could say if you’re a vendor or policeman your purpose was fulfilled on the outside and that’s right.

But let’s be honest… In many instances, that’s not the case.  We are simply not where we need to be.

If God directs us to do something, that is what we need to do.
We need to be transparent with God about that.
Sometimes what we are doing is not bad but it is simply not what God wants us to be doing.
If we don’t know where we need to be, take that to the Lord in prayer. #DoIt

Press on!
Press in!

Get Set
Being ‘set’ is about the tools that are required to get the job done.  Do you have everything you need?

If you’ve gotta cut up a watermelon, you’ll need more than a spoon … bring a knife with ya.
You were asked to cut up the watermelon, not eat it. We’ll use that spoon to scoop some out and eat after its been cut!

In other things, don’t show up to a gun fight with a knife.

So remember, just because a certain tool was proper for some event or thing does not mean it’s proper for use in another setting.

So be prepared for the task at hand but also do what I’ve heard one of my mentors say, ‘Go ahead and dress the part before you take the part.’

Understanding this, there are many times we don’t know what we need but our Lord, the Great Preparer, knows exactly what we need, how much we need, and when we need it! We just need to humble ourselves to Him and ask in faith!

Go
People of the Most High King, when we are where we need to be mentally, emotionally, and physically
and
have what we need to go … We simply need to go!
Don’t just sit there!!
Again, God will give us strength, endurance and longevity, if we only dare to go and ask Him for what we need in belief!

Go!

#GoGirl
#GoGoGo
#OnYourMark
#GetSet
#Go
#OnYourMarkGetSetGo

Sit Where You Can Hear

One of the most important things that we can do is hear from the Lord.
Young or old,
In the battle or about to walk into one…
It is important to hear from the Lord.

Knowing this, make sure that you are not setting by that friend who likes to smack her gum or that lady who always complains (about everything).

A lifelong student, I have had to strategically sit close to the front; close to my instructor-
I need to hear what I need to do.
I need to know what I need to know.
I need to know what my instructor expects of me.

And as I learn to yearn and listen for the voice of my Lord, I refuse to ask Ray-Ray if I can I look at his notes after class.
I want to listen and take my own, sure that I have heard from the Most High God.
Futher, I need to be physically located where I will not be distracted by people:
Who don’t care if they pass the test or not
Who don’t mind repeating this class next semester
Who don’t have goals or parents who have high expectations.

I need you Lord.
Please order my steps in your word!
Teach me, help to move myself away, away from the noise and hear from you.

#HeThatHathEarsToHear
#LetHimHear

Closed Doors

The wind against my face is like a wake-up call.

I guess this means that I am growing up a lil bit.

I can’t believe that I’m saying this but…

I really like it when doors close.

Knowing who is really in charge- Jesus Christ- closed doors help me focus on what really matters.

Go Before Me, Lord God

I cannot say that I understand exactly what God is doing right now, but I believe that the Lord is asking me to pray a specific type of prayer.   A prayer of preparation.

Because of this, I am sharing this with you.

Image Source: six11wordpress.com

Lord,

I come to you this morning, thanking and praising you for allowing me to hear you voice, and desire to quickly take heed. Thank you for that.

Lord, in my life, go before me.

Make the darkness light, before me.

Prepare a table before me, even in the presence of my enemies.

Make every crooked path straight!

In the mighty name of Jesus!

The Voice

One of TV’s most popular talent shows today is ‘The Voice’.

I’ve seen it a time or two, it seems very interesting… With their backs facing the contestant, after listening to the sound of someone’s voice, successful musicians and artists decide if they want to turn their chair around and fight for a chance to coach an (amateur) artist to success!

(Logo property of and cited on: http://www.nbc.com/the-voice)

I wish that I could say that every time I heard the voice of the Lord I quickly turned my chair in excitement to be coached by Him.  Sometimes what He has to say is cumbersome or boring.  At other times, it’s just too much to bear.

… The disciples agree:  Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? (John 6:60)

Ok, so that’s true, but when we really think of it, it is clear that there no alternatives. There is no other voice more significant or powerful. We have no other choice but to follow His voice. He loves us and He cares for us!  He has all power and authority in His hand.

All things considered, it should not be difficult. We should too, turn our chairs and our faces to Him in amazement, ready to be led by still waters. Ready for our table, prepared in the presence of our enemies.

He is the most important voice I will ever hear, therefore, I am resolved to get this right!

I can more clearly decipher His voice and follow His guidance than I did yesterday, and I am determined to learning and grow, day by day.

#TheVoice

Jesus Cares for Me

I remember growing up, one of my mom’s friends frequently sung a song called ‘Jesus cares for me’.

I remember that it wasn’t one of them songs that was ‘jumping’ so to speak. Honestly, as a kid I might have even considered it boring or bland.

… but as an adult I sure am glad that the Lord cares for me.
I know with certainty that He really, really cares.
He pays attention to little things.
He supplies my needs and wants.
He is my provider.
He orchestrates things that I could never, would never do, even if I tried!
… and for that I am grateful!
He moves heaven and earth on my behalf.

How peaceful is life now that I know this and have an understanding of it!?!?

I don’t have to worry or fret.
He cares for me.

I don’t have to be anxious.
He cares for me.

I dont have to figure it out.
He cares for me.

He is my health care provider.
He cares for me.

He stands by my bedside.
He cares for me.

He makes every crooked path straight.
He cares for me.

He lowers every mountain.
He cares for me.

He raises every valley.
He cares for me.

He makes the darkness light before me.
He cares for me.

For the word says ‘Cast your cares on Jesus’: Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.(Psalm 55:22).

Knowing this humbles me and energizes me to do more, be more, love more, and to use more of the resources He lends me to further His work. I almost feel like I can’t do enough. I can’t give enough. But I sure will try!

I dare you to tap into this.
#JesusCares

-Thank You, Sis Nora!

Shift Happens

Entrepreneurial Genius, Forrest Gump runs across country and discovers that sometimes in life, things just happen.  In the film, the phrase he coined takes the media like a wildfire.

As a woman of God, I have discovered the importance of being prepared when shift happens.

As noted in an recent post, our Lord is a great prepare-er…

You better believe it, He is always planning and preparing.

He is always up to something. Nothing just happens.

Nothing.

No thing.

To this end, as a woman of God, I am learning to be quiet  (… study to be quiet, I Thessalonians 4:11) and listen to the spirit of the Lord, on the edge of my seat- as ready as I can be- to obey His every command (II Corinthians 10:6).

When the shift happens in my life, I want to be ready.

I decree and I declare, I will be ready!

… And I encourage you to do the same! 🙂

#ShiftHappens

#LordHelpMeBeReady

#ArmedAndDangerous

#PrayWithOutCeasing

 

A New Thing!

Sometimes, I seem to simply get tired of the same-ole-same-ole. I strive to have a renewed mind, to be full of divine revelation. Yes, there is nothing new under the sun, but Lord, I also know that you can do a new thing.  Lord, whatever it is that you decide to do, that thing will be new to me. 🙂

Dry bones, get up! Dead things, leave, at once!  In the name of Jesus!

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19).

Image Source: http://www.vimeo.com

 

Lord, Please do a new thing.

#NewThing

And Standing At the Root of the Tree

And standing at the root of the tree was an axe, ready to cut down every part of vegetation that need not be there. I had let so many things grow that needed to go!

Image Source: http://www.en.wikipedia.org

 

-And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire (Matthew 3:10).

It is important to always be ready to purge/ be purged. being ok with loosing parts of ‘you’ is difficult but imperative in order to be more like Christ.

– Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (I Peter 2:11).

– Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (I John 2:15).

– And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell (Matthew 5:29).

All in all, it’ll be worth it, because we are intentionally remembering that doing so will push us closer to who God has purposed us to be. 🙂

#DoIt

#LetGo

It’s A Non-Issue

Today, as I reflect on another blog post that I have written, It’s a Non-Issue, (https://michelcockerham.wordpress.com/?s=non-issue) I must acknowledge that there are a few things lurking that I should have already gotten pass.

Some things should be a non-issue, but still are. SMH!

That’s ok.

I’m gonna work on those things, and soon, they will be a non-issue.

#FeelingDetermined

#GettingOverIt

#ImJustBeingHonest

#PressingIn

#PressingOn

#PressingTowardTheMark

One Thing

You have just been hired. You must choose one of two jobs:

Job 1: You are asked to pull all of the red squares off of a conveyor belt as pieces slide pass you from the left to the right at 10 miles/hour. One thousand balls will pass you in the course of a hour. It’s an even mixture of colors: red, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and green.

Job 2: You are asked to pull all of the red, yellow and orange squares off of a conveyor belt as pieces slide pass you from the left to the right at 10 miles/hour. One thousand balls will pass you in the course of a hour. It’s an even mixture of colors: red, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and green.

 

Photo Credit: lordtao.deviantart.com

All else being equal, it would be significantly easier to work on the first job.

With the first job, you will be allowed to focus on one thing your entire shift.

In this life, we need to focus on one thing: Pleasing our Lord.

If we seek our divine purpose and let everything else just happen, all will be well!

#ReFocused

#Determined

#OneThing

#FeelingDetermined

The Vision

Dream it/ Envision it, (Write the vision and make it plain, Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Envision yourself being in the middle of it, as it comes to pass,

Work it

Accomplish the vision that God gave you.

Why?

– Accomplishment of the goal will propel you to be successful in this endevour for longer periods of time.

– You will find that you can accomplish the goal for longer periods of time.

– Acknowledgement of the accomplishment will serve as a catalyst for discipline in other areas of your life.

#KingdomWork

 

Go Green!

Being in a hotel in New Orleans has shown me how many organizations are ‘Going Green’. It seemed like everywhere I looked there was a sign about conserving water, energy, and paper.

It’s nice to hear that many people are being mindful of the environment, or at least are saving  buck or two by not using paper to conduct many of their business transactions.

I challenge businesses to ‘Go Green’ in another way.  Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman” (John 15:1).

Photo:  http://threeminutebiblestudy.blogspot.com/2011/05/vine-and-branches.html

Since Jesus is the true vine, and vines, when they are alive are green and vibrant, Go Green, Go All in with the True Vine!

These are a few quick things you can do as a Christian business owner to Go Green: n

1. Tithe and give an offering from every increase.

2. Seek out ways to give back to the community through community service projects. If you have a small company and the task sees to large, team up with other organizations and give back together.

3.  Release your employees and other workers on Sabbath. Honor this one day, per week.

4. Allow God to prune you, your business endeavors, all aspects of your business. Consult with Him. He is author and finisher, beginning and the end, and He loves and cares for you!

I have seen and am still seeing supernatural increase when I do these things in my business and am excited to share this with fellow business owners!

#GoGreen

#JesusIsTheTrueVine

 

Gotta Get Up!

Get up, Get up!

Stretch, Flex, Move!

Get Going!

Get out of your Comfort Zone!

If you stay there, you are what you will ever be!

#RealGrowth

#RealRewards

#RealAccomplishments

#RealPeopleRealEncouragement

#NewInChristNewWineNewWineSkins

 

Argh!!! Why does this hill seem so big?

Sometimes, we get frustrated because the obstacles in our path seem so insurmountable.

Why do they seem sooooo big? … Because we are closer to the obstacle that we are to God.

Tell your problem: ‘Back up, give me 50 feet!!’

1. Pull out your phone and message yourself 10 things you are grateful for

2. Google ‘what the bible says about trust’  … or a word to describe your issue, whatever the issue

3. Go to Youtube.com and pull up some music and sings praises unto the Lord

4. Go to your ‘Holy Bible App’ and read some scriptures on encouragement

5. Encourage yourself by remembering things that the Lord has brought you through so far

6.  Read a scripture, close your app and then just meditate on it, for 10 minutes

7. Periodically stop and think about different scriptures that you’ve read over the course of your life … It doesn’t matter if you just say, ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want!’ (Psalm 23)  Say that…

8. Intentionally overthrow the issue at hand and purposely think about other things: whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philllipians 4:8)

9. Verbally say, “Get behind me, satan”. Leave me alone! You no longer have permission to speak to me.

10. Go into all-out, no holds barred, prayer, praise and worship! Worries and stressors cannot stand where the presence of the Lord dwells.

#HisGoodnessAndMercies

#TwentyFourSevenNightAndDay

#AlwaysMeditateOnTheWordofGod

 

Cravings

Since I can remember, I have liked chocolate. I mean, really, really, liked chocolate.  It has really been a problem for me. It is commonly known that I can eat an entire 12-inch, 3-layer triple chocolate cake all my myself.  When I consume it, it’s delicious, and it seems that I am never satisfied. Moreover, the bible says, the eyes of man are never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20).

Image Source: http://historycooperative.org/liquid-gold-the-history-of-chocolate/

Because I never seemed to get satisfied, I have had to intentionally stop eating so much chocolate and purposely eat what I want to crave because I know that eventually I will

Eat what I crave

Because I’ll crave what I’ll eat!

… Similarly, I have not always liked to sing, usher, dance, or serve. I do it, and have noticed that I crave it when I am not singing, ushering, dancing, or serving.

The more I worship, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I take things unto the Lord, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I praise, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I pray, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I spend time with the Lord, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I listen to praises, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I read the Word, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I study the Word, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I am around the people of God, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I fellowship with them, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I serve all people, the more my heart desires to do so!

The more I give and share, the more my heart desires to do so!

 

 

Help Me!

Back in December, I promised to continue a blog post about receiving help from the Lord.   Recently, I was scrolling in some posts on Facebook and I noticed a video clip of Family Fued. The question was  about what things men have a hard time asking for.

 

Image Source: Desktopaper.com

I dunno, but for the life of me, why sometimes for men and women  to ask God for help.  I’ve noticed this and have been proactively working trying to be better about asking God for help.

After all, He is the Author and Finisher. He is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending.

… Most importantly, He Loves Us, O How, He Loves!

Now, Lord, I want you to help me.

Help me be a better daughter, grand daughter, neice, sister, friend, aunt, employee, co-worker, girlfriend, neighbor, citizen, member…

Help me be a better thinker, reader, listener …

Help me better identify what areas of my life I need to change- those secret things.

Help me see what you see.

Help me see what others see that I don’t see.

Help me be swift to make changes that place me closer to you.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

 

Stuck in the Mud

Sometimes, when we achieve a desired outcome, we get stuck in the mud.

Image Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gifZv5-lE4

We get over-excited about our achievement and stay there.

Proud of what we have accomplished we sit and reflect.  We do need to reflect, but then quickly move forward. Why? I’m glad you asked!

Our work is not done yet!  As people of the Most High,

We press toward the mark, ‘I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 3:14).

We move from Faith to Faith, For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).

… and from Glory to Glory But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (I Corinthians 3:18).

More specifically, we must remember that nothing that has happened to us is solely for us.

God allows us to go through trials, tribulations, and triumphs so that we can:

1. Share our good news with others.

2. Teach others to pass the test using helpful hints, guidelines, etc.

3. Teach others to avoid our pitfalls altogether.

No so that we can sit back and be amazed at all of ‘our good work’ all day, lol.

Let me give you an example. Genesis 1:31 explains that the Lord looked at all of His creation and that it was good.

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

… Key point-

He did an excellent job. He did not stop there. He kept pressing, doing, creating,  … as we all know, he has shown Himself strong throughout history.

Philippians 1:6 explains, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

We are each a work in progress until He calls us away from this life.

Don’t get stuck in the mud of great accomplishments, keep pressing. 🙂

#DontGetStuckInTheMud

Let’s Stay Together!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let’s_Stay_Together_(TV_series)

 

It is clear that God places great importance on people coming being on one accord. We need to come together, unify, fellowship, work together well, and stay together, fulfilling His purpose for our lives.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth (Genesis 1:26).

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; (Mark 6:7).

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
(Amos 3:3).

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman (John 15:1).

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him (Genesis 2:8).

And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword (Leviticus 26:8).  In other words, ‘the mo, the merrier’, lol.

How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? (Deuteronomy 32:30)

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? (Ecclesiastes 4:11).

Other scriptures passages indicate the power of unity:

The Day of Penecost

1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).

The Tower of Babel

11 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.

2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.

4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.

6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do (Genesis 11:1-6).

Moses’ friends held his arms up:
8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
12 But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:
16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation (Exodous 17:8-16).

The lame man’s friends helped him get healed:
17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
18 And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.
19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
20 And when he  (Jesus) saw their (his friends) faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee (Luke 5:17-20).

Another important point:

We need to stay together, in love … Ever seen a couple who’s been married 50 years who argue and fight all day? They might as well have divorced 49 years ago…

Congratulations, you simply never got a divorce!! Same goes for other relationships. Don’t just be with folks because you can’t stand to be apart, but rather because you enjoy their company and you each encourage the other to grow and flourish.

#LetsStayTogther

… I Ain’t Gone Break My Neck Doing That …

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “I tell you what, I ain’t breaking my neck doing that” … Smh.

-Next thing you know, a dire situation comes and we ask God to move heaven and earth on our behalf.

-We know we deserve punishment for things, but we ask Him for mercy.

-We contract some life threatening disease or are diagnosed with some other deadly ailment like cancer, and ask Him for healing.

Ok, so we know that He can do it.

He created the Heavens and the Earth

He is ever-present

He is all-knowing

He knows our heart good and bad and still has everything to do with us

He owns the cattle on 1,000 hills

He has the power to kill and make alive

He has the ability to:

*Protect us, defend us, change our perspective, send the right people to help us, eliminate debt, remove stressors, keep us from diseases and aliments; hurt and pain …

—

What if there was a direct relationship between your activity for God &  His activity of your behalf in this life (and in eternity)?

What if, every time you said or thought:

“I ain’t breaking my neck being at church all day”

or

“I ain’t breaking my neck, helping people, I got needs too!”

or some similar statement that the Lord took note and was thinking, “Okay. Well, I’m not going to break mine” … ?  Yes, He is merciful, but He has every right to say that!

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (Matthew 7:2).

 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matt 25:40).

I dare say, we need to break our necks:

In our service unto the Lord (Attentive and present. Give Him worship and praise.)

In the way we treat ourselves (healthy and able to do Kingdom work), in partaking only in food that are healthy foods (healthy, agile and able to do Kingdom work), being in healthy relationships (not distracted or abused, able to to Kingdom work), in keeping physically fit (healthy, agile, and able to do Kingdom work).

In the way we treat on another: we need to manifest the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.

So, when it’s time for Sunday School, or Sunrise Service, or that Evening Service, go ahead and do whatever you are asked for the cause of Christ.

This Valentine’s Season, make a commitment to Christ. Love Him, ‘break your neck’ for Him.

 

#Love

#BreakYourNeckForHim

#HeWillBreakHisNeckForYou

If You’re So Smart, Then Why …

Growing up, I bet I’ve heard that expression a thousand times, lol.

As I noted on yesterday, in my line of work, I interface with many people with titles.

Medical Doctors, Doctors of Philosophy, Psychiatrists, Ophthalmologists, Doctors of Pharmacy, others…

I also interface with Apostles, Preachers, Ministers, Teachers…

For the life of me, I just can’t understand:

1. With all of these ‘smart people’ the world has not made further advances. Not in science, health, or medicine, but in social and relational constructs.

2. If people are so ‘smart’ or have so many titles, why can we do we not have the ability to (or why do we simply refuse to) find a way to relate to all people.

– Are we so excited that we have arrived at being a ‘Dr’ or ‘Pastor’ or ‘Minister’ , etc. that we have forgotten that we are supposed to help people?

-Are we so intelligent and intellectual that we have forgotten our roots?  Have we forgotten that once we did not know how to read or multiply?  Have we forgotten that we were once in sin?

– Have we gotten so excited that we have ‘arrived’ that we forgot:

-Where we came from?

-Where we are supposed to be going?

The title of Doctor is supposed to be a means to an end, not a stopping point.  Ministerial titles are likewise.

When you have earned this credential or title, you have not arrived. What many consider as a ‘finish line’ is a mere starting line for the next phase of your life.   The type of behavior that I witness makes me question our motives as a collective body, are we chasing status or our desire to help people?

Why can’t we have a conversation with people without talking down to them?

Why can’t you find a few laymen’s terms to communicate what you trying are saying?

#SquareOne

#LordHelpUs

#BackToTheBasics

A Note on Intelligence and Wisdom

In my line of work, I am around a significant amount of ‘smart people’.  People with multiple degrees, copious amounts of intellect, the ability to analyze, synthesize, and pulverize data, the ability to develop solutions to problems and implement procedures to eradicate world-wide issues and diseases.

Unfortunately, I see a tremendous disparity between what people know and how they behave – their knowledge and their wisdom.

Medical Doctors, Dentists, Orthodontists, Nurses who take care of cancer patients, but smoke…

Plastic Surgeons, Thoracic Surgeons, Critical Care Surgeons, and General Surgeons who endure grave academic training and work their daily lives to perform very detail-oriented surgeries but do not brush their teeth or don’t take the time to floss…

Optometrists and Ophthalmologists who ‘give sight to the blind’ but cannot see their way to have a sensible and polite conversation with a 12th grader …

I know that I am simplifying this but I hope you get my drift.  We need the Lord to help us with this disparity.

This is my prayer:

Lord, I ask that as you endow me with knowledge for this blog and for my life, that you also make me wise enough to apply the knowledge that you given me.

Thank you for showing that there is a difference between intelligence and wisdom, and for helping me bridge the gap.  Lord, I ask that you heal the minds of those who you have placed in leadership.

Teach your Ministers, Deacons, Pastors, Apostles, and Prophets and other leaders to apply what you teach them.  O, Lord, let us turn our focus toward you in every way.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

Reconciling Love, Fear, and Courage

As noted earlier, the Lord has been dealing with me about three constructs: Love, Fear, and Courage.  Now, I guess my question is, ‘What do these three words have to do with one another?’  This is what I believe that the Lord is saying:

– If we love the Lord, we need to show it. For the word exclaims, “If you love me, feed my sheep” (John 21:17).

– Perfect love casts our fear (I John 4:18). Your love for me will overthrow any fear of people, things, fear of occurrence, or missing out on this or that. You love for me will overthrow fear and propel you into obedient action.

– When the Lord spoke to Mary, Joseph, Moses and others, saying “Do Not Be Afraid” he was telling them, Listen, I know that you love me. I’ve got something that I need you to do for me. You’re going to have to be brave. You’re going to have to be focused. Muster up courage. Do this for me.  I’ll be with you, as usual. 🙂

– Moses, I know that you cannot speak well. Trust that I love you and that I have your best interest in mind, Trust that I know what I am doing and that I will help you do what I want you to do. Speak for my people. Support, defend, and love them. Give them the words that I give you.

– Mary, I know that you are young and that you and Joseph have not known each other.  Be a good mother to my flesh and love him.Trust that I love you and have your best interest in mind. Your sacrifice will help all of man kind.  Trust that I know what I am doing and that I will help you.

– Joseph, I know that Mary and you have not known each other. The easiest thing for you to do in today’s society is exploit Mary. Don’t do that! Trust that she has not been with a man. Know that I love you and have your best interest in mind. Trust that I know what I am doing and that I will help you. Support her and love her. With Mary, take care of me as I am your flesh and I will help you.

There are many accounts of humans being told to not ‘be afraid’ by angels or other representations of Jesus Christ. In just these three, I hope that you get my drift. These three were obedient and chose to move as directed. They were courageous, allowed their love for God to overthrow fear.

As a result, their lives influenced the lives of all people who lived, forever!

#Love

#Fear

#Courage

#FoodForThought

#MovingRightAlongInChrist

When He says Move… I Move, Just Like That!

When the Lord says move, just do what He says.
Don’t bother pulling your anchor up out of the sea.
Don’t put that weight in your boat!
It’ll slow you down.
Simply cut your losses and move!

#Go
#WhenHeMoves
#IMoveJustLikeThat

Who Do You Love?

What’s His Name?
Jesus?
Who is He who always makes away?
Who opened blinded eyes?
Who heals cancer and broken hearts?
Who gives us direction and tells us to trust Him?
Who for ashes, gives us beauty?
Who else but God?
Jesus is God!

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you (Exodus 3:13-14).

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory (1 Timothy 3:16).

Men gave many different names to the Lord throughout the Old Testament:
EL, ELOAH: God “mighty, strong, prominent” (Genesis 7:1; Isaiah 9:6) – etymologically, El appears to mean “power,” as in “I have the power to harm you” (Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity (Numbers 23:19), jealousy (Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion (Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of might remains.

ELOHIM: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” (Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) – the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible’s first sentence, the superlative nature of God’s power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence (Genesis 1:1).

EL SHADDAI: “God Almighty,” “The Mighty One of Jacob” (Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) – speaks to God’s ultimate power over all.

ADONAI: “Lord” (Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) – used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God’s dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.

YHWH / YAHWEH / JEHOVAH: “LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Daniel 9:14) – strictly speaking, the only proper name for God. Translated in English Bibles “LORD” (all capitals) to distinguish it from Adonai, “Lord.” The revelation of the name is first given to Moses “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). This name specifies an immediacy, a presence. Yahweh is present, accessible, near to those who call on Him for deliverance (Psalm 107:13), forgiveness (Psalm 25:11) and guidance (Psalm 31:3).

YAHWEH-JIREH: “The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14) – the name memorialized by Abraham when God provided the ram to be sacrificed in place of Isaac.

YAHWEH-RAPHA: “The Lord Who Heals” (Exodus 15:26) – “I am Jehovah who heals you” both in body and soul. In body, by preserving from and curing diseases, and in soul, by pardoning iniquities.

YAHWEH-NISSI: “The Lord Our Banner” (Exodus 17:15), where banner is understood to be a rallying place. This name commemorates the desert victory over the Amalekites in Exodus 17.

YAHWEH-M’KADDESH: “The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy” (Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28) – God makes it clear that He alone, not the law, can cleanse His people and make them holy.

YAHWEH-SHALOM: “The Lord Our Peace” (Judges 6:24) – the name given by Gideon to the altar he built after the Angel of the Lord assured him he would not die as he thought he would after seeing Him.

YAHWEH-ELOHIM: “LORD God” (Genesis 2:4; Psalm 59:5) – a combination of God’s unique name YHWH and the generic “Lord,” signifying that He is the Lord of Lords.

YAHWEH-TSIDKENU: “The Lord Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:16) – As with YHWH-M’Kaddesh, it is God alone who provides righteousness to man, ultimately in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who became sin for us “that we might become the Righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

YAHWEH-ROHI: “The Lord Our Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1) – After David pondered his relationship as a shepherd to his sheep, he realized that was exactly the relationship God had with him, and so he declares, “Yahweh-Rohi is my Shepherd. I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

YAHWEH-SHAMMAH: “The Lord Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35) – the name ascribed to Jerusalem and the Temple there, indicating that the once-departed glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 8—11) had returned (Ezekiel 44:1-4).t

YAHWEH-SABAOTH: “The Lord of Hosts” (Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 46:7) – Hosts means “hordes,” both of angels and of men. He is Lord of the host of heaven and of the inhabitants of the earth, of Jews and Gentiles, of rich and poor, master and slave. The name is expressive of the majesty, power, and authority of God and shows that He is able to accomplish what He determines to do.

EL ELYON: “Most High” (Deuteronomy 26:19) – derived from the Hebrew root for “go up” or “ascend,” so the implication is of that which is the very highest. El Elyon denotes exaltation and speaks of absolute right to lordship.

EL ROI: “God of Seeing” (Genesis 16:13) – the name ascribed to God by Hagar, alone and desperate in the wilderness after being driven out by Sarah (Genesis 16:1-14). When Hagar met the Angel of the Lord, she realized she had seen God Himself in a theophany. She also realized that El Roi saw her in her distress and testified that He is a God who lives and sees all.

EL-OLAM: “Everlasting God” (Psalm 90:1-3) – God’s nature is without beginning or end, free from all constraints of time, and He contains within Himself the very cause of time itself. “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

EL-GIBHOR: “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) – the name describing the Messiah, Christ Jesus, in this prophetic portion of Isaiah. As a powerful and mighty warrior, the Messiah, the Mighty God, will accomplish the destruction of God’s enemies and rule with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15).

Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/names-of-God.html#ixzz3QSTo1Mpu

The prophet Isaiah noted, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

The new testament scripture revealed His name:

1. The angel of the Lord (the Lord himself, manifested as an angel) came unto Joseph and gave us instruction as to what we should call him: Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

2. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

3. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins(Matthew 1:18-21).

Henceforth, we shall call His name Jesus, for the name Jesus name brings forth every attribute that is described in all of the Word!!

Yes, The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and are safe (Proverbs 8:10).

When I am sick or afraid, I call on the name of the Lord.

When I bless my food, I call on the name of the Lord.

As I live and move, I do what I do in the name of the Lord.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Through the name of Jesus alone will I be allowed into heaven.

We are saved through Christ and Him- ALONE. He stands at the door and knocks, open your heart to love and to be loved by He who created the heavens and the earth, but his lowly enough to come down and live as a man- He is not ignorant of our infirmities. He loves us, O how He loves!

Oh, How I love Jesus!

He is LORD,

He is Yahweh,

He is Love,

He is glorious and peaceful,

He is mighty, strong, and powerful,

He is my warrior, He is my strength, He is my power.

When I say the name Jesus, I say all of these attributes.

Oh How I love Jesus! I know who I love: JESUS!!!

#InLove

#RunTellThat

You Don’t Know Jack!

Last year, at a meeting for one of my businesses, one of my partners said that they encountered someone who had been exposed to our business but that the individual refused to hear any details about the business because they had ‘heard all that they needed to know’.  A wealthy man in the business, my partner quickly said, well, you don’t know 5LINX!! Lol.

Far too often we make judgments about things prematurely.

Not many days ago, someone told me about a problem that they had been having for many years.

And then … they asked me what I thought. 🙂

I told them. Among my comments, I said, “OK, since you are admitting that you don’t know what to do, you must take this to Jesus. They explained that they already ‘took it to Jesus’ but that it was not getting better.

The bible clearly states:

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him (Proverbs 18:13).

Sometimes, taking a matter to Christ and hearing the conclusion of the matter is a long process. I have waited a few years to get answers or resolve. Sometimes His answer is to me is ‘Wait!’

So I wait.

He’s still sweet.

He is still precious to me.

He is not ignorant to our infirmities.

He loves us dearly.

He is sweeter than the honey on a honey comb!

The icing on the cake is that once you try Him, I mean, really, really try Him, you will know what I mean and you will never try an alternative.  Until that day I say without apology, you don’t know Him.

#HearHimOut

#GetToKnowHim

#KnowHimForYourself

 

Love

As you may have already noticed, the Lord has also been dealing with me about love. As this has been going on,  I’ve made it a point to quickly run to the written Word of God to see examples of and instruction related to love in days of old. It’s obvious that God wants us to love one another and love Him.

John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:23
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 14:31
But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

John 15:9
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

John 15:10
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

John 15:12
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:17
These things I command you, that ye love one another.

John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

John 21:16
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Titus 2:4
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

 

#Love

#LoveIsCrucial

Love is in the Air

Single Ladies and Gentlemen:

As the old saying goes, love is in the air. This is true. So is lust and deceit.

As this time, be careful to not get interconnected with someone who does not have the same beliefs as you. Chances are that you won’t be able to convince him or her to love God if they don’t already.

When you know that the Lord deals with you every morning at 3:00am, or that He gives you random downloads all throughout the day, be sure to make sure that you don’t yoke up with someone who dislikes or makes snide remarks about your relationship with Christ.

#CanIGetAnAmen

#Amen

#AmenLights

#NoUnhealthySoulTies

#AintNobodyGotTimeForThat

Fear and Cross Intimidation

I resolve to:

be fearless.

live a life replete of fearful people.

be of good courage.

cast out fear with love.

Unfortunately,  my personal resolution does not enable me to stop encountering fear-full situations and fear-full people. It is also unfortunate that when many people are afraid to

-try new things,

-break bad habits,

-reach higher heights,

-get outside of their comfort zones,

… they try to plant seeds of fear in you.

Because they are intimidated by their own pasts, fear of success, fear of failure, current situations, their own failures, the failures of others, their own deficiencies, worries, lack of faith, lack of integrity, or even the amount of work that they have to put in to achieve a goal, they try to spread their disbelief onto you. They try to contaminate your thinking.  They try to contaminate your thinking.

I call it Cross Intimidation.  Before I reached the point where I am today, I faced these types of situations repeatedly.  Over time, I decided to be prepared.

I needed to prepare myself for:

1. what I would think about as they tried to plant doubt,

2. what I would say to them as they talked,

3. what I would think about after they left.

4. what I would do after they left.

When I interface with them, like clock-work, I do and say what I have prepared. Like a press conference, my words are ready.

If you don’t want to buy into their life style and their level of thinking. I invite you to commit to:

– love and not fear

– push yourself outside of your your belief system

– accomplish goals against popular thought

– accomplish more than your though accomplishable

– prepare your mind to respond (not react) to naysayers

– prepare a statement for your ‘press release’ or ‘press conference’

When I was growing up, my dad and granddad used to grow water melons. As kids, we would set outside and go to town with a big, thick slice of watermelon. Eating the yellow or red flesh, we would spit out the seeds …

When people say their opinions, try the spirit by the spirit whether it be of God.

Eat what is of God, spit out everything else!

By the authority that is invested in me, I spit out every seed of fear, doubt, or other similar spirit that people have tried to plant in my life. Cast them back into the pit of hell, where they came from, in the name of Jesus!

I am not afraid!

I am not afraid of success!

I am not afraid of failure!

I am going try my best!

I don’t care if others think it’s too hard!

I’ll either win or learn. Either way, I win!

#GoAllIn

#CantStop

#WontStop

#AllIDoIsWin

#AllIDoIsWinWinWin

#PressTowardTheMarkInChristJesus

The Courageous Go All In

I don’t have very much to say this morning, I have been thinking about the courage that it takes to go ‘all in’. I know that the bible tells us to ‘be of good courage,’ ‘fear not’  ‘do not be afraid.’  In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me (Psalm 56:11). Resolve, this day to Go All In with Christ!

He will never leave you or forsake you.

He loves you immensely and will never hurt you.

He knows the end from the beginning.

He is the author and the finisher.

He does not lie,

He does not slumber,

He does not sleep.

– The courage ‘go all in’ because they rely on the Lord. When with the Lord, they are fearless!

Go all In!

#GoAllIn

#Fearless

#FearlessWithChrist

Fear

Lately, the Lord has been dealing with me about fear also. As He was, I quickly ran to the written Word of God to see examples of this in days of old.   It’s obvious that God does not want us to be in fear.

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 21:17
And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

Genesis 26:24
And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.

Genesis 35:17
And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.

Genesis 43:23
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.

Genesis 46:3
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

Genesis 50:19
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

Exodus 20:20
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Deuteronomy 1:21 | Read whole chapter | See verse in context
Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 20:3
And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Joshua 8:1
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:

Joshua 10:25
And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.

Judges 4:18
And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle.

Judges 6:10
And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.

Judges 6:23
And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.

Ruth 3:11
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

1 Samuel 4:20
And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.

1 Samuel 12:20
And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;

1 Samuel 22:23
Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.

1 Samuel 23:17
And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.

2 Samuel 9:7
And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

2 Samuel 13:28
Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

1 Kings 17:13
And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

2 Kings 6:16
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

2 Kings 17:34
Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;

2 Kings 25:24
And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.

1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:17
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

Psalms 55:19
God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

Psalms 64:4
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

Isaiah 7:4
And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

Isaiah 35:4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Isaiah 41:14
Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 43:1
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Isaiah 43:5
Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

Isaiah 44:2
Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

Isaiah 54:4
Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

Jeremiah 40:9
And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.

Jeremiah 46:27
But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.

Lamentations 3:57
Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.

Daniel 10:12
Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

Daniel 10:19
And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Joel 2:21
Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

Zechariah 8:13
And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.

Malachi 3:5
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Matthew 1:20
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 28:5
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

Luke 1:13
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Luke 1:30
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luke 5:10
And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Luke 8:50
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

Luke 12:7
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 18:4
And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

John 12:15
Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

Acts 27:24
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Revelation 1:17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Courage

In addition to fear and love, the Lord has also been dealing with me about courage. As He was, again, I quickly ran to the writen Word of God to see examples of and instruction related to courage in days of old. It’s obvious that God wants us to stay away from fear, love one another and love him and be encouraged.

2 Samuel 10:12
Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

1 Chronicles 19:13
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.

Ezra 10:4
Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.

Psalms 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalms 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Isaiah 41:6
They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.

Matthew 9:2
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Matthew 9:22
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Matthew 14:27
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Mark 6:50 t
For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Mark 10:49
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

Luke 8:48
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Acts 23:11
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

Acts 27:22
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.

Acts 27:25
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Love Is Free

For many years, I have been taking various supplements- especially when I am on the go.

Recently, over breakfast, I mentioned a particular supplement to a dear friend. I shared my experiences with the supplement with her and invited her to try it for herself.  I allowed her to look at the bottle and see its ingredients. I told her where I purchased it.

After I left the restaurant, I was curious to know what she saw on the back of the bottle.

I grabbed my purse, searched for the bottle, and quickly read the back of the label.  The manufactures proudly wrote that the product was free of gluten, yeast, wheat, milk, milk derivatives, lactose, sugar, preservatives, artificial flavor, sodium.

Wow!

I remember listening to some advertisements and commercials for medication on television and online. As the commercial comes to an end,  the voice-over mentions a laundry list of side effects that may occur as a result of using the product.

I remember after I was in an accident, my Dr prescribed me a pain medication and one of the many side effects was seizures. I refused to take it.  The pain that I was in was not severe enough to risk having a seizure. The medication should have been free of side effects, but that’s another story…  Back to love.

Yes, love is free.

When we do things for people, it needs to be out of love.

Not so that you can have one-up on the person.

Not so that you can remind them of how you helped them do this or that.

Love is free of manipulation, guilt trips, reminders, hesitation, weights, and bragging rights…

If there is a hint of manipulation, if the ‘giver’ has the tendency to guilt trip or talk about how they helped this person do this or that, refuse to take it. 

Love is free- not containing allergens like nuts, soy, gluten, or dairy … manipulation, guilt trips, and reminders.

Love is free- free from side effects as well sniffling, sneezing, or seizures … trapping, pup-petering, exploitation.

When someone does something for you, try the spirit by the spirit, whether it be of God.

Ask God what’s going on. Listen and obey.

#AndIAintGotTimeForNothingElse

Love Is An Action Word

Jesus said, If you love me, feed my sheep (John 21:17).

If we love the Lord, our love should be accompanied by a series of actions that correspond with our love.

If we love the Lord, we should research or recall what he has required of us, and do that thing.

Ladies, if your man says he loves you,  you want him to do something. Maybe you have never said it, but you would like for him to take action. Rather than sitting on the couch all day, reminiscing on the love you share, you want him to do the things that please you: help take care of the house, help take care of the kids, finish school, work, etc.

If we love the Lord, we need to get up off of the sideline of life and do what He has called us to do.

We care called to draw other sheep into the fold, and that is what we need to do, if we love Christ.

Command the Day

After reading the word as it relates to commanding the day countless times, I now know that God has given me the power to Command the Day.  Last night, in a conference call, I was reminded to Command the Day! I want to share my commands with you!

Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years (Leviticus 25:21 KJV).

The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee (Deuteronomy 28:8 KJV).

Because of my new understanding, I have sought the Lord and now command the morning!

I hunger and thirst after righteousness
I am meek
I am good
I am organized
I am lively
I am confident in Christ
I am gentle
I am well coordinated
I am full of positive ideas and energy
I am pure in heart
I am holy
I am bold
I am agile
I am full of joy
I am kind
I am only persecuted for righteousness sake
I am rich
I am meriful
I am humble
I am mentally acute
I am a pacemaker
I am loving
I am manifester of temperance
I am marked by my ability to think quickly
I am wealthy
I am healthy
I am faithful
I am beautiful
I am loving
I am generous
I am helpful
I am a contributor
I am submissive and obedient to the Lord
I am aware
I am a kingdom seeker
I am patient

I allow the spirit of the Lord to control my body, mind, and spirit.
I bind any spirit that would try to counteract the will of the father in my life, and the execution of the Lord’s perfect will in my life.
I cast them back to the pit of hell, forever, in Jesus name!

Now Look At Ya, You’ve Got That Stuff All Over You!

Remember hearing your mom telling you that?

I sure do! It’s kinda annoying when someone notices what you’ve smeared on you before you notice it yourself.  Chocolate, castup, mustard, mayo, sugary sweets… what ever.

I’m glad that my parents taught me to be neat … taught me to use a napkin and wipe between bites.  To be careful of letting the wrong things smear on me. I’m glad that they taught me those things …

I’m glad that my parents also taught me to pay my tithe.

When I was very young, they gave us an allowance and taught my siblings and I to pay tithes and to give an offering.  As an adult, I do those things without hesitation. This has enabled me to develop trust in God that I would not have developed otherwise. I know that I can trust the Lord.

He already knows if He can trust me; I have proved to myself that I trust Him.

As a child, in those little matters regarding finances, I ran to Him.

As an adult, I do the same. I can therefore quickly trust Him with other matters. If I get sick or need Him in other manners, I know that I can trust Him to do just what He promised in His word.

I can trust Him to keep my mind.

I can trust Him to keep me safe.

I can trust Him to keep my parents and siblings safe.

I can trust Him to help me land and maintain business deals.

I can trust Him to help me be healthy and maintain optimal health.

I can trust Him to be my friend.

I can trust Him to protect me- from dangers seen and unseen.

He is my source.

This obedience and trust in God for tithes, offerings, and my finances has smeared to more important matters.

Likewise, I have have learned to recognize and obey His voice. I know when He is speaking to me. I can distinguish His voice from my carnal mind.

I recognize and have developed an increasingly quick obedience to His instruction. Of course this is all a work in progress, but I am much better than I used to be and most importantly, everyday I want to and work to be better.

I pray that my trust in Him as a kid, with my $2.00 allowance, my trust in Him for healing, and for spiritual gifts thus far will smear into all other areas of my life.

I pray that my obedience of His instruction in my personal life will continue to smear in my life forevermore.

I remember a commercial where the tag line was ‘Look, Mom, I’m eating my oatmeal’.

I dare say, “Look, Mom, I’ve got faith and trust in God smeared all over me! And I ain’t wiping that off!”

I pray that if I ever have children, that I am able to teach them these things, and instruct them to teach others to do the same … and so on. Until that time, I will smear my experiences with friends near and far.

I hope that this ‘voice recognition’ that I have been working on will smear also and allow me to also recognize His voice when He says, ‘Come, my people’, that I may hear and obey His voice for that very important instruction.

#Smeared

Keep It Moving

God has empowered you!

By His grace, you are living in a time when you can be born poor but work to make a better life for yourself.
Likewise, we were born into sin and can repent then live without perpetual sin!

You are your own gas pedal
You are your own brake
You decide if you move forward or delay
You determine if you go fast or slow
You determine if you never move or never slow down

You decide how quickly you travel:
Uphill
Downhill
Around the corner
Around the curve

Through the mud puddle
Through the over-flowing pond
Over bad roads
Over ‘Rocky Lanes’
Over smooth pavement
Over bumpy dirt roads

You decide if you take the trip:
Despite sprinkles
Despite afternoon showers
Despite snowstorms
Despite blizzards
Despite icy windshields
Despite re-iced windshields
Despite hail
Despite thunderstorms
Despite oncoming tornados
Despite hurricanes
Despite tsunamis

You decide if you still want to make the trip even when you have to:

Wake up early​
Stay up late

Drive with
Heavy Eyelids
Dreadful company
Best of Friends

You’ve got to make up your mind before you get in the vehicle.
I must make this drive.
I will make this drive, no matter what obstacles I face.
If my car breaks down.
I just need to get a repair or alternative transportation.
I’m not quitting.
I’m not taking a break.

I don’t care what I must go through!
I will take the hits and get back up and keep moving!

#Discipline

#Determination

Do You Trust Me or Not?

At this time, I hear the Lord saying: You need to either trust me and shut up, or just keep talking. Pick One!

I hope that this helps somebody today, it sure is helping me. 🙂

#StudyToBeQuiet #StandStillAndSeeTheSalvationOfTheLord

 

 

Father, Father, Father!

Father.

Possibly one of the most powerful relationships that we can have with another human being.  Our father can be our provider. He can teach a man or woman what to accept from the person of the opposite gender.

I am writing a book on my relationship with my father and have summarized some of  the first things that I have noticed about the relationship between folks and their fathers.

Those who do not have a relationship with their earthly father have difficulty relating with their spiritual father.

Those who rebel against their earthly father also rebel against their spiritual father.

Those who conspire to collude against their earthly father will also collude against other authority- at work, school, etc.

… These are just a few of my recent thoughts.

What are your thoughts?

Count It All Joy

Sometimes, our experiences can lead us to feel sad or confused. Sometimes, individuals fall into depression because they are ‘too close to the mirror’. Because we stand so close, we cannot see the picture. There is a familiar adage that about those who “can’t see the forest for the trees.”

We must remember that God loves us (Romans 8:37) and He cares; He is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5). He said that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8 & Hebrews 13:5) . We are important to Him. He knows the end and the beginning (Isaiah 46:10 & Revelation 22:13) and is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 2:12).

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

My brethren, count it all joy, when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4).

In the accounting world, we have the prerogative of serving the best interest of the company board. In this case the accounting team reasons together to determine which number goes into which column.  The accountant makes a decision to which area they will count a given dollar amount.

I dare say that as Christians we have more authority to do this that other groups. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (James 1:2). We have the prerogative and obligation to count everything that happens to us as part of God’s divine plan for our lives.

In the moment, we may characterize something as ‘good or bad’, what ever you think, proactively use it to be closer to Christ.

#HappyHappyJoyJoy

#CountItAllJoy

#Winans

#Closer