GOD'S UNLIMITED PROTECTION!

In Genesis 32 we read of Jacob's experience with God's angels. Genesis 32:1 "And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim." Mahanaim translated means "God's camp"! God had sent a host of angels to protect Jacob throughout his journey. The Lord so graciously allowed these Angels to visibly appear before Jacob so he would be encouraged by the assurance of God's presence and protection! From Laban to Canaan, God's protection over Jacob never ceased! That same presence and protection given to Jacob we inhabit to day. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God's love and word never changes or fails. His word is the only sure substance given to man that is infallible. He places hosts of angels around us to protect us, comfort us, and encourage us! God's people are sent through trials, but their is never a trial greater than the comfort that comes from our Comforter! He always brings us through our trials safely, stronger and wiser. Psalm 61:7 "May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him." There is nothing or no one we should ever fear, because scripture plainly reveals the truth of His word. Romans 8:28-31 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He alos justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Those that come against God's chosen people shall not prosper. All we have to do is call on His name and He will come to us. He promises that you will find Him... if you seek after Him with your whole heart (Jer. 29:11-13).
Remember He hears our faintest cries, and answers the prayers of the righteous! God has authority, power and dominion over our circumstance! God's grace, mercy, love and goodness is limitless!

LET ALL WITHIN US PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

The Birth of Jesus
(Matthew 1:18-19) The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
20-23 While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—'God saves'—because he will save his people from their sins." This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term:

Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us")

A group of scholars asking about Jerusalem, "where can they find the newborn king?" They had observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth, while in search for Him. (10)Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!

(11)They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.

Christ/Messiah as "the Word made Flesh"

LET ALL WITHIN US PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

Church Choir Wins National Ttile | FOX 5 Atlanta | myfoxatlanta.com

Church Choir Wins National Ttile | FOX 5 Atlanta | myfoxatlanta.com visit link!!
So proud of our Church Choir! They represent the Lord well!!!
John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 14:17
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

GOD PLANS WITH PURPOSE!

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Christmas is the time of year that God reminds me of His goodness and mercy. All that He has prepared me for in my life. You know, it is quite remarkable to think of the way the Lord orders our steps throughout our lives. He plans our future in a way that will glorify Him. When I think about what the Lord has done for me and spared me from, I am eternally grateful and can't help but to feel the overwhelming love of Jesus. He loved me that much!!! This is how my past unfolded to my present and I know God is not through yet! I am anxiously anticipating my future with Him!

When I was twelve years old I seeked God for the Holy Ghost...God delivered and filled me with His spirit! I was also baptized soon after in the one and only name of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Just two years later, after an awesome district youth camp meeting that to this day I'll never forget, God spoke to me and told me He wanted me to start a children's choir at my church. I later spoke to my Mom about what the Lord had laid on my heart to do but told her I was embarrassed to ask my pastor for such a position considering I was only fourteen years old at the time. My Mother lovingly told me to pray and seek God and if it was God's will, doors would open and it would come to pass. Later after much prayer I spoke with my pastor and he gave me a couple of weeks to organize a group of children at the church to sing during a Sunday morning service. He told me we would see then if this is something we would continue. Well....I ended up leading that children's choir for seven years. During those years God blessed me and taught me so much about perseverance and prayer. God allowed me to pray with many children over the years while He filled them with the Holy Ghost. Those memories are some of the most precious gifts God has ever given to me, just allowing me to witness Him moving in their little lives was an awesome experience I'll never forget. What I did not know was all though in my mind I was leading children in song and worship, God was preparing me for another ministry that would soon unfold in my life. Soon after the age of twenty I began visiting the church I currently belong to now where I also met my husband. My husband was a single father of two little girls when we met. God knew my future before I did, we tend to think we are in control of our own lives but there is one much greater than us who is in control of all. My faith in God grew, along with my love for Him. My husband and I were married just a couple years after we dated I then became a wife and instant Mother! This was incredibly terrifying for me being so young and not knowing how to mother two children. I became overwhelmed with thoughts that flooded my mind, "did I do the right thing", "what if I fail", etc,etc. The Lord in His on time way always intervened and lovingly guided me through every step of the way. One day the girls and I were driving home from my Moms house and one of the girls looked up at me and said, "Mom are you glad you married Dad even though you now have us?" At first I remember thinking, Lord how do I respond in a way you would have me to? I was so thankful for them but God has always showed me that my children are not my husbands, they are not mine they are His. I want to teach my children in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, not my way but His. Then God revealed Himself to me right there in that car, He reminded me of all those years I taught those children in that choir. And how they were the same ages of the little girls in my backseat that I was now a mother too. God took over my mouth at that very moment, and I told her that God has a purpose and plan for everything in our lives. I told them about that children's choir, and how God had taught me to pray with those children, and how to love, lead and guide them in His ways. He taught me that I was a huge influence in their lives and that I would be accountable for the the way I represented Him. I told her that God had taught me and prepared me all those years for her and her sister. He knew that one day I would be praying for them and leading them in His ways. My time with those children in my choir was part of His plan but her and her sister were His purpose for that plan! To this day I will never forget how God revealed Himself to me and explained His purpose to each of us in that very moment! He revealed the truth of His miracle!
Our third child my husband and I prayed for and once again God delivered. He gave us a beautiful, healthy baby girl. I know God has great things in store for her life, he filled her with the Holy Ghost at the early age of four years old, she was baptized soon after! After our daughter I became pregnant again just two and a half years later, but had complications and our son was still born. God used that time to minister to me greater than He ever had before. He gave me so much strength, and the experience taught me to lean on Him for understanding. I believe I prayed like Job possibly prayed to the Lord, I prayed with desperation, but my love for God never wavered. Not because I am something great but because I knew God was the only comforter I needed to get me through! My pastor said once in a sermon that God knows whats best for you and only wants the best for you. Those words I clung to through that time in my life and God proved His unfailing love through it all. I delivered my baby on December 30th of 2005 and almost two years later I delivered our very healthy son Will on December 31st of 2007. He is our miracle and testimony of what God can do! I have felt from the moment I conceived my son Will that He was going to be born not just for my own pleasure but that God had big plans for Him with great purpose! I know Jesus is the reason for all things good, and pray that all my four children continually draw close to Him all the days of their lives. I pray that they listen and are obedient to the Lord, I pray they put their trust in Him and depend on Him for answers and understanding! I love them more than words can express and am thankful for the benefits that come with serving the Lord fervently! God has a plan and purpose for each of them, it doesn't stop with me and I am so thankful for the miracles and blessings to come! Jesus was sent here on earth to fulfill a purpose! He was born on earth for the purpose of dying on the cross so that we could be forgiven for our sins. There was a plan for Jesus that He had to fulfill, more importantly was the purpose for that plan. I am so thankful for the love of Christ in my life, for His guidance, and His plan for my present and future! Jesus is the miracle in my life, without Him the blessings in my life would not exist! !

LOVE GOD FIRST, THEN LOVE YOU!

God desires for us to love Him first but to also love ourselves. I do not believe one can model their behavior after Christ if they do not love his most prized possession, you! God loves you and wants you to love yourself. Not with a spirit of vanity or haughtiness, but loving and respecting yourself the way God intends for you to. If you feel guilt ridden and bound by feelings of worthlessness, what can you accomplish for the Lord in that mind set? Very little!!! When we first come to God we do so with a spirit of acceptance. We must first accept the fact that we need God in our lives. Without this vital step we surely would be lost for ever. What good would repentance be without the acknowledgement that one needs to be forgiven? Leviticus 19:18 “Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself." Holding a grudge against someone only allows a spirit of grudge to take hold of you! If your angry with yourself, you will be angry toward others! If your unwilling to forgive yourself, you will be unwilling to forgive others. One who is critical of others normally is quite critical of them self. If you love God first, then yourself, you will transition that same love towards others. Satan is a liar...he wants to feel our minds with thoughts of worthlessness, shame, and guilt. Holding to something in your past that makes you feel condemned. God did not come to condemn the world but to save it. It has been said that 75% of people who are mentally disturbed would be diagnosed as mentally stable if they could only be convinced that they are forgiven. When God forgives us, He really does just that...HE FORGIVES! Why is that so hard for us to sometimes grasp? Repentance is a changed heart and mind that in return changes us entirely! While praising God, He gives confidence. Through faith in God we become strong. Through Him we gain patience, through Him we obtain wisdom and understanding. Through His love and acceptance we are able to love and accept ourselves and others around us as well!
"I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever" Psalm 52:8
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 8:38-39
"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Him even when we were dead in transgressions and sins-it is by grace and mercy you have been saved" Ephesians 5:4-5
"This is love: not that we love God, but that He first love us, and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" 1 John 4:10
"God is love" 1 John 4:16
These are God given attributes that make you a better you!Let's thank Him and praise Him for who we are through Him!

BUILT ON ROCK OR SAND?

Mat 7:24-27 (NIV) "Therefore everyone who hears these words of
mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his
house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the
winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because
it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these
words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish
man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams
rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with
a great crash."
God has expectations for all of us! Those expectations are not defined by a particular organization we belong to but by faithfully serving Him through obedience to His word. If the word says it, I believe God expects for us to put His word into action, through faith and obedience. Romans 2:13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.) We should all pray for a spirit of acceptance! Proverbs 15:32 "He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding."
In order to obtain a walk with God that contains any amount of substance we must become grounded first. We do this by planting our foundation on a firm ground and not on sinking sand. If our foundation is not built on the unshakable truth found in the word of God we can not withstand the storms that prevail against us.
Psalm 33:4 "For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth." Jesus is the "Rock" in which our foundation is built upon. Deepening our relationship with Him will strengthen us and make our relationship solid and unshakable. Psalm 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Not only do we seek salvation through baptism in Jesus name and the infilling of the spirit of the holy ghost, we also must seek a closeness with our Father that comes from a committed relationship with Him. Really connecting with Him in all we do and passionately serving Him and applying His will in your daily lives. Serving Him through moments of peace and through times of storms. We serve God by choice, God desires for us all to follow Him, but He will not force us. We must make a choice to allow God to transform us into who He would have us to be. We are not defined by who we know, how much money we have in our bank accounts or even our careers. We are defined by God, we are His children. There is no greater love that one can experience than the love of our heavenly Father. We shouldn't harbor the truth but share it with others as often as possible. Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Worldly possessions mean very little in the scheme of things. We certainly can't take these treasures with us to Heaven. Our eternity with Jesus Christ is what matters most. Let's make everyday and experience with Him deeper and better than the one before. Let's stand firm and committed to His word and trust Him. Following after His ways steadfastly and assuredly. Nothing or no one can bring us the joy and riches He brings, He holds our future!
Lord,
Help me to draw closer to you each day I live. Help me to be what you would have me to be. You have a purpose for my life, please allow me to fulfill your purpose. I love you and desire to be more like you. I know with your help all things are possible! Help me to keep my trust in you and to never resist your direction for my life. Allow my walk with you to be infallible, please keep me in your perfect will always.
In Jesus Name, Amen!

LET'S GIVE THANKS!

Let's Give Thanks
You can't help but to think about the goodness of God, it literally surrounds us! This is a time of year when many take time to be thankful for the blessings in their lives. They are just that, blessings! We have so much to be thankful for, our families, health, friendships, etc.... Truthfully each of us could think of many things we can be grateful for! Psalm 106:47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. We know that the good things in our lives are blessings because the Lord reminds us of that in scripture. In Proverbs 28 scripture tells us "A faithful man shall abound with blessings". The most wonderful blessing any of us can obtain is a close relationship with the Lord. I am very thankful for my family, Pastor and church, but mostly I am thankful for the desire God placed in my heart years ago when I was a child to serve Him. Even more so I am thankful for the seed that was planted in my Mother when she was young by her Aunt, if her Aunt had not been faithful and planted the seed of the Lord, perhaps I would have not ever known the Lord today! It is so vital that we plant a seed of truth among whom ever we come in contact with so they also can reep blessings and salvation through Him. Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.(Colossians1:12) Job, in the most trying of times, still gave thanks to God. Scripture time and time reveals that before a breakthrough there was thanks. Meaning people praised God and thanked Him in advance even in the midst of their adversity. When we praise God for the blessings in our lives we are acknowledging that He is the reason for them, and we give all are honor and glory to Him. "But you are holy, O you that inhabit the praises of Israel."(Psalm 22:3) God will manifest His power through praise and thanks. He demonstrated this many times in the Bible. Especially in Acts 10:46 "For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God." God then gave them powerful gifts; 1Corinthians 12:7-11 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. Gifts of power are given to each of us through the Spirit of the Holy Ghost! His power saves, delivers and heals!Acts 10:46 He is our Comforter, our Consolation, our Father, our Friend. We have so much to be thankful for, where would we be without Him?

HELP ME TO BE LIKE YOU!

Like You


Lord help me to be in Your holy will;
Tell me what to do today;
Lead me in Your righteousness;
Make me more like You, I pray.


Guard me against this corrupting world,
Its perverted priorities, temptations, too.
Direct my mind toward Your commands,
So I can focus my life on You.


Fill my heart with Your light and love,
So I can assist those I see in need;
With You as my role model, let me be
Like You in thought and word and deed.


By Joanna Fuchs

SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN MARRIAGE!

For days I have felt impressed in my spirit to write on the spiritual warfare's that are occurring in marriages. It seems that no matter which way you turn you hear of someone you know either having problems in their marriage or ending their marriage. This has become an epidemic in our society today. Now before I go any further I want to make clear I am in no way claiming to be an expert on marriage or to have a perfect marriage. I am however very thankful to the Lord for my marriage and family, I am blessed but am aware that Satan would love to destroy my family as much as any other godly home! What I have obtained is a marriage of nearly nine years through a series of many many lessons, with many more to come! Yet what ever devil that has came against my marriage I have always felt an enormous urgency to pray! Psalm 61:3 "For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." Satan is raging against the unity in marriages. We must not allow ourselves to be caught off guard. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Marriage is a blessing from God. Satan has been out to rob and steal our blessings from the beginning of man kind, this started with Adam and Eve. John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly. Marriage is a holy and sacred gift from God, it brings a God given unity between man and woman. Genesis 2:24 "For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
I recently read an article about a couple who's marital struggles were inevitably leading them straight for divorce. Spouts of uncompromising arguments were a daily affair. Still yet the two of them felt compelled to attend a church that they felt certain they were being led to. They went to the church and started attending Bible Studies there. The woman who helped lead Bible Studies at the church came to this young wife and told her that she had been praying for the couple and as she was praying God gave her a vision of a lion's head in their living room, roaring. Again remember this verse; 1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." She then told her Satan was trying to destroy her marriage. Instantly the young wife knew it was a message from God, and she called her husband to tell him what happened. The couple joined hands and took authority over their marriage and rebuked the spirit of Satan from their home. They continued to pray together daily for strength and protection over their marriage from that day forward. You see, Satan knew the plans for that young couple long before even they knew. The husband later on became Pastor of that church and the couple have done mighty things in their church and community with the help of the Lord. What better way to eliminate the sheep.....eliminate the Shepard!
We must be wise, prayerful and determined to love our spouses unconditionally without contention. This can be at times very difficult. The State Of Unions report projected that divorce is a growing trend. Even though we have had a slight decline in divorces since 2005, it is not at all due to divorce. In fact the decline has been due to more and more couples cohabiting instead of marrying. It is seemingly becoming more popular in today's society than to marry. Cohabiting couples are said to have twice the break up rate opposed to a married couple. God intended for couples who share intimacy to be married. Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. 1Corinthians 7:8-9 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I, if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. As Christians we have to model our lives after the will of God. We do this through obedience to His word.
If we know of someone who is struggling in their marriage and family, our duty is to pray fervently for them. So often people are so quickly ready to give up or throw in the towel per say. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. As Christians we must guard our precious gifts given to us by God. The accomplishments of a strong, holy marriage include filling Heaven with our children, and their children and whom ever they spread the word of God to and become saved. Our children will be living witnesses for Christ who are willing and ready to do a work for Him that will build the Kingdom of Heaven. Generations can be brought to God through the unity of a godly marriage and family. Their is much work to be done for the Lord, and God is coming back for His people soon. That is why the fight is greater now than ever before, Satan realizes he is running out of time! But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions... what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:10-17 NKJV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore,
◦having girded your waist with truth,
◦having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and
◦having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
◦above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
◦And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — and for me... (Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV)

HE LOVES US THIS MUCH!

I found this poem online and it was so inspiring I had to share. It really describes the unfailing love Christ has for each of us!


I Love You This Much
by Tanya Staggs


You said, I love you this much, arms stretched out wide, with nails in Your hands and a wound in Your side.

Stripes of blood on Your body, thorns into Your head, You cried out to Your Father, and then you were dead.

I can scarce imagine the horrible suffering that loving me that much would to Your life bring.

You made the sacrifice so that I might be free, because of Your amazing unconditional love for me.

A love that flows freely, as Your blood did that day. And even when I falter, Your love is here to stay.

If only I could repay You for all that You went thru.

I guess the only way to do that is to live my life for You.

To live each day the best I can, be all I know I can be, and to show the love to others that You have shown to me.

SHED YOUR FEARS!

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear is anxiously consuming! Most often we fear what we can't control such as rejection, sickness or disease and even death to name a few. We know scripture tells us to fear not! We tend to mishandle our lives when we rely on ourselves to control the direction of our future. We have to allow God take full control without resisting His will for us. Too many times God desires for us to move in one direction and we are determined to go in a direction that we have set for ourselves. This choice causes us to be lost and confused. God is not the author of confusion, and fear is not of God. Why....because fear is a trick that Satan uses to torment the mind, and if he can do this, we lose all joy and peace. Statistics have shown that in most cases fear never becomes reality. Fear gives us a false sense of hopelessness. Fear is a spirit that is from Satan, the author of lies. Satan uses that to rob us from the blessings and miracles that God intends for us to reap. The Bible says that "we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world...and against evil spirits in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12 NLT). God says that Satan only comes to "steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10). And that is the agenda for the Spirit of Fear!
The Bible tells us God is our Comforter, Our Resting Place, Our Peace Maker! God can not use us if we are bound by a spirit of fear. When faced with fear we must seek Him through prayer and God will come to us and deliver us."I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."Psalm 34:4 I have always reminded my children when ever they had an unpleasant dream "to fear not for God is with them". Instilling in them that no matter what they face their is nothing that they have to fear, knowing God is with them. Through prayer we gain power and confidence to face and conquer our fears through the Spirit of God! Fear keeps us bound and unable to move forward, this is crippling for our spiritual walk with God. We need to cast out all spirits of fear and doubt and loose the spirit of faith, confidence and obedience upon each of our lives!
Fear Not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, Ge 26:24
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 John 16:33 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and, going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase. Acts 9:31
Remember, Jesus performed a miracle with Peter! Peter was given the ability to walk on water with Jesus. And he did walk on water but as soon as Peter started recognizing his circumstances, and all that was against him, his heart filled with fear and he surely began to sink. "Come, he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." Matthew 14:9 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Peter's miracle was cut short because he yielded to the spirit of fear instead of keeping his trust and faith on Jesus. Regardless how hopeless and grave the circumstances may present themselves in our lives, we can totally trust God to see us through and protect us against anything that wars or rages against us. I wonder how often we cut our miracles short by spending our time worrying over our circumstances instead of spending our time in prayer and reading the word. God will bless prayer and supplication but God will never bless fear and doubt. Shed your fears through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is your protection, strength and power to overcome!

Jeremiah 18:1-6 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2“Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. 5Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
People can make life very difficult at times. How often we who are marred by our imperfections must be made new. Just like the potter who made the pot of marred clay seen it unfit or unmanageable. So he started over and made a new and improved pot. But keep in mind he still used the same clay that was being used for the other pot. Same clay.....different pot! My point is this....God is our potter and we are His clay. And although at times we can become unmanageable of ourselves, if we give ourselves to Him, He can reform us and our lives into something quite beautiful! He doesn't throw us out as unusable, He molds us into an image that resembles Him! The potter had complete control over the clay and His uses for it. God has complete control over us and our lives. God has the ability and skill to change who we are and give us the capability to follow out His will for our lives. He gives us power and wisdom to carry out His plan for us. By faith and obedience God will preserve our lovely new creation, this is the keeping power of God. If we break, He will mend us, if we are lost, He will find us, if we seek Him, He rewards us, He is hope for the hopeless, and if you ask anything in His name, it will be given to you....
Isa 26: 3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isa 55: 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

THE UNMEASURABLE MERCY AND LOVE OF GOD!

Psalm 69:32 "The humble will see their God at work and be glad.Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged."
Being a christian does not eliminate you from making mistakes. Being a christian is recognizing your mistakes, going to God with a repented heart and turning away from the wrong you did. Being a christian is serving the Lord faithfully and whole heartily even though you've made mistakes. Sometimes we think that if we don't do everything perfectly that God will not hear, bless or love us. Or we feel we haven't quite measured up on the holy scale! None of this is true. We can never be holy enough in comparison to our Lord. Please show me a perfect person!! We are all unworthy of His grace and love. Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
God knows we are flawed with imperfections, yet He loves us anyway! We all fall short of the glory of God, that is why we die daily(repenting daily). We expect our own children to fail from time to time, and when they fail our love for them never changes. How must our heavenly Father feel when we fail Him? I believe much the same. Scripture reminds us that His love is everlasting and unfailing! Now this does not at all excuse sin, God is unhappy when we sin and desires for us to live a righteous life. His love never changes even if our love for Him does. A sinful life will lead us to death and destruction, the Bible clearly warns us of that. But I believe one of the biggest tricks of Satan is to place spirits of guilt, shame and the "I will never be holy enough or ever quite measure up" thoughts driven into the minds of Christians! These thoughts will kill your spiritual walk with God if you allow it. Thoughts like those are spiritually unhealthy and will slowly but surely get you to a place of spiritual hopelessness. How often do your mistakes surface to your mind when you are about to do something great for the Lord? Right before you walk in the church, hand out a church track, do a Bible Study, or witness to someone you meet! The enemy is crafty, he is there to steal, kill and destroy. We must remember that! If he discourages us before we get started we are then unable to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to others. He does not want us to do the work of the Lord because we are tearing down his kingdom in the process! "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Luke 15:7 ALL TRUTH, LOVE AND GOODNESS COMES FROM THE LORD! We are children of God, that in return makes us children of promise! 156.Romans 9:8 "That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." Galatians 3:26 "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."

Dear Lord,
Please forgive all the mistakes that we have made. These mistakes do not define us but can hinder or limit our growth in you. Help us to be wise to things that come against us to tear us down. Help us to know that we are of little worth to this world in which we live, but we are of great worth to you. Help us to never forget your love for us and direct our lives so that we may live our lives in a way that is pleasing to you. Give us strength and power to continuously serve you all the days of our lives.In Jesus name.
Amen

GOD ALWAYS TAKES NOTICE!

One day Jesus was in the synagogue, while He was there He saw a woman who was there also. This woman had a spirit of infirmity upon her that had lasted eighteen years. This was a crippling disorder that had been caused by an evil spirit. The bones of this woman's spine were rigidly fused together, this left her bent double, and unable to look up. In all this woman's pain and suffering while knowing she was in the presence of God, she still did not ask Him for help. We don't know why she didn't ask, but what we do know is God came to her. He seen her, His child that was in pain and He so graciously and mercifully called out to her. Luke 13:12 "And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity." Loosed meaning the spirit had been cast out, and the woman was free and no longer bound by Satan or from her affliction. Jesus then laid His hands upon her and IMMEDIATELYshe stood straight and praised Him!
Notice the woman was not murmuring and complaining about her illness. She wasn't at home, she was in the house of the Lord(church). This is another good example why we should come to church through our adversities. This will help sustain us in our times of trouble. It just so happened the church was where God, our deliver came to her and healed her. Much like the crippled woman many of us have been afflicted at one time or another. Whether it be disease or sickness, betrayal, broken hearted, etc. My point is this, life does not always go as we plan. Things happen in life that sometimes slow us down or even bring us to an incredible halt! There are times when we feel our burdens have us so weighed down that we too find it hard to look up or even face others around us! But my question is this....How can we defeat Satan and be loosed from His bondage if we can't center ourselves in the presence of God? God never said this walk would be easy, He does however promise to never leave us nor forsake us! He is our help and our strength, through Him we can do all things! God takes notice of His children! God came to that crippled woman because she was His child, He loved her and wanted to help her. We are also His children and He loves us the same, and receives the same fulfillment of joy when healing one of us! He notices everything about us, we are covered by His mercy and grace. God desires for us to come to Him and ask Him for deliverance from our afflictions. By doing this we are placing our faith in Him and acknowledging that we need Him. Some of us have been so wounded and hurt that we can't even bring ourselves to ask for help. The spirit of discouragement alone makes it difficult at times to pray. We need to go to Him when we need Him. I have to wonder how often we suffer through an affliction longer than we have to, because we chose to wait rather than ask! How quickly would God fix our problems if we came to Him immediately? Remember the woman who was afflicted was healed immediately! This is an act of faith and obedience. James 4:2 tells us "ye have not because ye ask not." Matthew 17:20 "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

THE WORD OF TRUTH!

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
Life is a course that contains many important lessons. Hopefully, through this course set before us we will become wiser than we were when we first began our journey. Proverbs 1:7 tells us,"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." The way of life directed by man will lead to destruction, see (Proverbs 14:12). Seeking truth in the word along with obedience will bring much stability and peace in our lives. (Proverbs 3:1-2) "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." This book of knowledge is just full of great Biblical principles that will only enhance our lives, but secure our eternity. The same miracles and wonderful works that were done by Jesus throughout the old testament are being done still today. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, we can be sure that God never changes nor does His word! Nothing in life is a sure guarantee. In fact the only sure and solid trust we can place our hope and faith in is Jesus Christ. He promises He will never leave us or forsake us and promises His word is unfallable! Even during our worst times, God never leaves us. Many things we endure on earth such as death, sickness, pain, and sorrow are very hard for us to understand. Why must at times we endure so much? No one has all the answers, only God can give us those answers and there will come a day when we will meet Him face to face and be able to talk to the Lord. (Psa 118:4-8 NIV) Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever." {5} In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. {6} The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? {7} The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. {8} It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. There is a saying that God will never bring you to anything that we won't bring you through! Even through life's obstacles we can be certain God loves endures all! He is there for us and is anticipating every moment we spend talking with Him. He is right by our side giving us strength and encouragement to endure until the end. Psalms 147:3 "He heals the broken heartened, binding up their wounds." God speaks to us through His word!

LOVE ONE ANOTHER!

Jesus told His disciples before he died on the cross, "Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" John 13:34. If Christ is dwelling within us, how is it possible to show anything other than love to those around us? Paul said in Romans 12:10, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love." Peter says, "Be all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." Again, "Above all things have fervent love among yourselves." 1 Peter 3:8, and 4:8. John says, "This is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." 1 John 3:11. The same is taught in many other places.
Now that we have established that God certainly commands us to be loving and kind toward one another, He also wants us to love with sincerity. After all if it's not sincere than it's not real love, right! The definition of sincere- being without hypocrisy or pretense; true: a sincere friend. John said in 1 John 3:18, "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth." Now this can at times feel nearly impossible, God never said serving loving the person next to you, whole heartily would be easy. It takes constant renewing of the Spirit, and often times failing a few times before getting it right. Everyone has had someone at some point in their life hurt them, or even attack them! It's hard to get past the pain when someone hurts you or your family, especially when it's from someone in the church. Truth is we hold other Christians at a higher standard than a lost sinner who is not living according to the word. The Bible tells us we all fall short of the glory of God! My pastor tells us if we mess up, we should fess up. You can hold a person at a higher regard or respect if they level with you sincerely and truly show the compassion toward you the way God would find pleasing. Truth is we have to except that man will fail us every time, but the trust we put in God will never fail us. "Jesus is the same yesterday, and today and forever."Hebrews 13:8. He will never fail us, His love is endless. I have learned through my years serving the Lord that forgiveness is not always just for the person you feel has wronged you. Forgiveness sets your soul free from the bondage of Satan. Yes, even people who love the Lord can be bound by a spiritual stronghold. We must totally give the pain and hurt feelings we harbor to God, by doing so, we are no longer weighed down or discouraged by the problem but renewed with hope, strength and peace that passes all understand. 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Now in conclusion, I realize you can't always reason with an unreasonable person. Some are bound with determination to hate you and rage against you no matter what you say or do. Again our forgiveness toward them is what we will be judge on, not their forgiveness toward us. We are all given choices in life, we are judged based on the choices we make. We have a choice to serve God or to not serve Him, to hate or love, to forgive or resent. We are blessed according to our obedience to the word. But remember, they hated Christ without cause also, John 15:25 "But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause." Luke 6:22 "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake." Psalm 5:5 "The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity." Psalm 41:7 "All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt." Psalm 44:7 "But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us."
Proverbs 4:15 "Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."
Romans 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
Fervent forgiveness, is necessary and required to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Love is a commandment that we must all follow,"Let brotherly love continue."Heb.13:1

JOURNEY OF WISDOM AND STRENGTH!

God knew the journey He set before us would be hard. In Luke, Jesus sent seventy-two followers out before him. Sending them by two's into every town and place where He was about to go. "Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves"(Luke 10:3). They were afraid of what lay ahead, yet they were obedient and faithful, putting their trust in He who had sent them! They were secure knowing they had the peace of God with them. Luke 10:16-18 "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
Even today, we are sent out on a journey that contains the same message. A journey set before us by the Lord. Situations and circumstances sometimes bombard us and threaten to still every ounce of our peace. Through Christ these circumstances will strengthen us and empower us to continue our journey. Then the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name" (Luke 10:17). Luke 10:20 "However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
What ever demon or situation we are faced with, we can overcome through the wisdom, faith and peace we have in Jesus. James 4:7 "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Nothing we encounter here on earth is wiser than God, our job is to trust and obey Him. He is in control and in command of everything! We must keep our minds and hearts on the message God has planted within us. We have a Christian duty to spread the gospel to all who will hear! Sure we expect Satan to triumph against us, but he is powerless against us while God is within us! "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God." Isaiah 43:2-3

Romans 8:28 "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."
2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
"For I will give you words of wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Luke 21:15

LIVING WORD

God's word is used to teach us the difference between right and wrong! God's word is all powerful and alive, it is there for us to go to when in need of strength, encouragement and answers. Life brings multiple challenges and problems in our lives, but we can see our way through these obstacles if we go to the word of God!
Anxiety
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.
Philippians 4:6-7
Brokenhearted
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Confusion
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace ...
1 Corinthians 14:33
Defeat
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair ...
2 Corinthians 4:8 (NIV)
Disappointment
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28
Doubt
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 17:20
Failure
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
Proverbs 24:16ew 17:20
Fear
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
Grief
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Hunger
Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:4
Impatience
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14
Impossibilities
Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Luke 18:27
Inability
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8
Inadequadequecy
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Lacking Direction
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Lacking Intelligence
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
Lacking Wisdom
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30
Loneliness
... the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Mourning
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Poverty
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Rejection
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
Sorrow
I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13
Temptation
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Tiredness
... 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 40:31
Unforgiveness
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Unloved
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!
1 John 3:1
Weakness
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Weariness
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Worry
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7

BOLDNESS IN PRAYER!

"In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." (Ephesians 3:12)

"Have mercy on me, Lord, son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon" (Matthew 15:21). A Canaanite woman who seen Jesus and had heard that He was the Messiah asked Him to deliver her daughter who was possessed. The woman shouted BOLDLY and was crying to Jesus asking Him to heal her daughter. Jesus did not answer her immediately. She continued to follow Him and again boldly called out unto Him for help. She knew she needed God and His help! This woman was not a follower of God, she lived a life of a heathen. But even the heathen knows at what time to cry out to God. The disciples that were walking along with Him begged Him to send her away. The Bible tells us in Matthew 15:24-28, "He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26And he answered, "It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs." 27She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table." 28Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly."
So often today we are hindered when going to God boldly in prayer! Why is that so hard to do? If the Canaanite woman had not been so bold in asking for God's help, her daughter may have never been healed! How different would our lives be if we boldly went to God in prayer with our problems. Believing with confidence that God would boldly and even instantly answer in return for boldness and faith in prayer. The Greek word for boldness is confidence. 1 John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." If we boldly cry out to Him, pouring our heart out to Christ, talking to Him and seeking Him for answers, we will see great things happen in our lives. We WILL develop a closer walk with God, gaining strength and understanding along the way. Her boldness did not make her a weak woman in His eyes. God viewed the woman as a woman of great faith because she wasn't afraid of what others would think of her for boldly protesting her need for God. She was desperate and needed God's help and wouldn't let anything stop her from talking to Him. We should not be ashamed to go to God about anything, He knows all and sees all. Let's boldly seek Him and praise Him in advance for our blessings to come! We are children of God who should be seen and heard!

SING UNTO THE LORD!

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Psalm 27:6

The Bible tells us to sing unto the Lord a new song! Doesn't serving the Lord make you feel like singing. It's the joy of His presence that gives us a song in our hearts. When we think of His grace and goodness it makes us want to lift up our heads and sing praises to Him. Psalm 27:6 "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD." The Bible also tells us to acknowledge Him in all our ways! What a great way to acknowledge the Lord throughout our day! We must not forget we are children of the most high, the king of kings! We are a blessed people because of who we serve. He is our deliverer, strength, joy, and peace. He is our heavenly Father who we love with all our heart, soul and mind. As much as we love Him, His love for us is far greater than any other love we've ever known. He loves us in spite of our imperfections, His love is endless and unfailing. Praise and bless the Lord with a song, giving thanks for all He has saved you from and brought you through. Praise Him for His mercy and praise Him in advance for what blessings are to come!

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6

"My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed." Psalm 71:23

"Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day." Psalm 96:2

"O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory." Psalm 98:1

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
Psalm 98:4

"Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." Psalm 30:4

"To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever." Psalm 30:12

JESUS CHRIST, THE LIGHT FOUND IN DARKNESS

Close your eyes for a brief moment and imagine you are lost in a place of darkness. You try as hard as you can but you can not see your way out. Then imagine you are also hungry, lonely, desperate, ashamed, hopeless, and confused. This is how sin makes us feel. When we sin against God, those sins bring all these feelings rushing back to us and leaving us in a state of hopelessness. God is our one true hope and in order to obtain a life of precious promises given by Him, we must give our lives completely to Him. Living as He would have us to live, building godly characteristics that will give us a personality that reflects God instead of the world. The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 1:3-10; "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:". Sin has brought people to places in their lives that have brought them much heartache, pain and shame.
Jesus Christ can mend the broken hearted and heal ALL pain. He will bring comfort to the comfortless and a light into their darkness so they can find their way! Salvation comes through the truth and the truth is found in the word of God. The Bible tells us in Matthew 18:11,"For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost." 2 Corinthians 4:3 "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:" 2Peter 1:19-21 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" 20"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." 21"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
Acts 26:18
"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."
2 Peter 2:4
"For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;"
Now lets imagine ourselves finding a distant glimpse of light in the darkness. As we draw nearer to it the brighter the light becomes and the more clear our surroundings become. We are able to find our way out of the darkness. We feel the awesome presence of God and He is lighting our path as we walk closer to Him. We feel unspeakable joy and hope they we never felt while in darkness. There is peace that passes over us giving us a huge sense of relief. We are no longer afraid but we feel comforted and loved because we know we are no longer alone!
This is what the power of God can do for all of us! As long as we put Him first and live our lives according to His unfailing word, He will give us direction and strength. He will never let us fall!

LIVING LIFE THROUGH PRAYER AND PURPOSE!

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

Psalm 91:3-5 "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."
1 Kings 1:5 "Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat."
1 Kings 19:6-8 "He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you. So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God."

Jesus knew that Elijah would need strength in order to fulfill the plan and purpose He had for him. Without that God given strength, Elijah could have died in that desert. There was still work that needed to be done by Elijah. God sent an angel to Elijah in one of his weakest and most hopeless moments. Why did God come to him under that broom tree? God came to him because Elijah first came to God. Elijah prayed intensely for God to take him, he was in such a state of hopelessness that he felt the only way he could escape was if God would take him. Even in that state of mind, Elijah found hope in God and the way he reached God was through prayer. There is power in prayer! Elijah had a deep relationship with God. He talked with God and knew God was with him. Many have not prayed a prayer of desperation like Elijah prayed. God loved Elijah the same way He loves us and He desires for us to pray and talk to Him throughout our days as well. He took Elijah in a unique and awesome way, 2 Kings 2:1 "When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal." "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective"(James 5:16). Through all the trials Elijah faced while standing against the wickedness of Israel, he prayed! He earnestly, whole heartily, intensely prayed with purpose! That is exactly how we should go to the Lord! He is anxiously waiting for us to come to Him. It is His up most desire! We should pray expecting God to deliver us, and answer our prayers. We need to know He is with us every step we take throughout our lives. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He longs to draw closer to us and us to Him. He desires for us to think on Him when we awake in the morning and when we lay down to rest at night. We can have absolute trust and confidence in Him, knowing that He works according to what is best for us in our lives. We can't for tell the future, but we know who holds the future! The Bible tells us "all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."(Romans 8:28)

Psalm 91:11-16 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

LET'S TAKE A WALK

"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee." Psalm 143:8
The word of the Lord tells us to not fear storms and trials that come up in our lives. To trust in His infinite wisdom and power through whatever comes our way. "If we live in the Spirit let us walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25
We can securely and boldly go where ever the Lord leads us knowing God's faithfulness will never fail us. He is our own personal GPS system, directing us and keeping us headed in the right direction. I am so thankful for His unfailing love and guidance in my life.
"And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
God is merciful and faithful. His Spirit lives within us, and together we can go where ever He leads us on this endless walk with Him!
"I have called you by your name; you are Mine." Isaiah 43:1

LET EVERYTHING BUILD ON FAITH!

What is faith? The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Our relationship with God builds on the foundation of our faith in Him. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all"(Ephesians 4:5-6). This verse again confirms baptism should be under no other name expect JESUS CHRIST. Every time an instance or circumstance arises, we depend on Him for the answers and Him for change. We ask Him and believe with confidence, knowing that He will never fail us and He delights in answering our prayers. Believing with absoluteness that God is in control of all and we are powerless without Him. There is nothing He can not do or change. He is the only hope for change with any of us! As soon as we are faced with a problem, we should be prayerful over that problem, asking God for help to sustain, lift, and even carry us through it! HE WILL! "We cannot please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), and whatever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). With faith comes miraculous power, the Bible says if we have as much faith as a mustard seed than we can move mountains! That is powerful! Our problems can sometimes seem like mountains. Immovable, unshakable and to BIG to get over or around! Praise God, with a little faith and His power, those mountains will move and we will make it through any obstacle that comes our way. Because WE ARE IMMOVABLE, UNSHAKABLE, AND TOO POWERFUL THROUGH THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLY GHOST! There is no satan ridden hindrance that can come against us and prevail. We are children of the most High and even satan himself fears God and His children. He recognizes the power of God and trembles with fear because of it. After all, even satan knows where he came from. Satan was once a man made by God, but he turned against God and thought He could take the place of God. At that moment he was thrown into the pit of hell where he belongs. It was power that motivated satan then and power motivates him today. He can only gain power over the soul through the mind. If he can convince one to have a made up mind to sin he can posses their soul. Satan is out to kill, steal and destroy lives. The enemy does not want us to prosper or experience love, joy or peace in our lives. When we are at our weakest moment is when we feel the most threatened by satan, but if we keep our eyes, and minds and hearts on God, He will protect us! HE will give us the power to be conquerors and He will sustain us. We don't have to fear what the future holds because we know who holds our future! There is no sickness, physical or emotional hurt that can keep us bound. Through the God given power of our faith in Him, we can cast out or move these afflictions out of our lives! (Mark 16:16) "He who believed and was baptised shall be saved;"
(Acts 15:11) ) "for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.(Philippians 2:12) "Who are being kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
(1 Peter 1:9) "Receiving at the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."
God gives us "a measure of faith". (Romans 12:3)
If we don't use it, we will loose it!

LET'S GET READY!

1 Corinthians 15:52-54 "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

1Thessalonians 4:16-18 "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."


Time To Be Ready
by Bernice Ward

Oh its time, yes its time
Jesus will return for His Church,
He has prepared a mansion for us in the sky,
Just be ready for He will return by and by.

He promised, He would come again
And take us home with Him,
How we long for Him and feel His embrace,
But most of all to look upon His lovely face.

We don't know when He is coming,
The time is getting nearer,
Do keep pressing on and trust in Jesus,
So we'll be ready when He appears.

He wants all His children ready
When the trumpet call will sound,
Just a little longer, "My children"
Hold on, we will soon be glory bound!

THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

The Samaritan woman was more than just a woman from Samaria. The Bible tells her story as a woman who was drawing water from her village well. Usually the young and strong did this chore. It was a heavy chore but because this was their only means for water, they carried their heavy vessels full of water to their home many times a day. When Jesus came to the well He was tired and thirsty from the heat. He asked the Samaritan woman who was there at the well drawing water to give Him a drink. The Samaritans had developed a reputation for having questionable beliefs and the Jewish people usually avoided contact with Samaritans all together. She knew the man (Jesus) was a jew and was suprised that He spoke to her, a woman from Samaria. She asked Him "Why do you ask me for a drink, a Samaritan woman? Jesus responded by saying, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you 'Give me a drink' you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water"(John4:1-10). Jesus began talking with the woman and explained to her that when one drinks of ordinary water they will surely thirst again, but one who thirsts after the Father would never thirst again and He would give one eternal life. He then spoke to her about her past five husbands and of the man whom she was living with and yet not married to. The woman was amazed that He knew so much about her. She knew this man was different and she thought He must be the Messiah. Jesus told her the Messiah was coming and had arrived, and it was He. Now the woman felt her feelings about Jesus were confirmed and she went throughout the town to tell the people what had happened and to come see Jesus. Once the people came and heard Jesus they believed in Him and accepted Him as the one and only true Savior. The Samaritan woman acted much like an apostle. She left her vessel behind at the well and went to tell others about Jesus. Her testimony caused others to believe. "He told me everything I have ever done. So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed for two days." (John 4:39-42)
In order to experience eternal life we must draw from Him. Nothing on earth will satisfy us for long. These things are only temporary or for a season. God is the only one who can satisfy the soul indefinitely. We must act as the Samaritan woman, telling others our own personal testimonys of what the Lord has done in our lives. Spreading the "Good News", and persuading others to believe in Jesus. We have a responsability to tell as many as we can so others can draw everlasting living water and inherit eternal life! We all need Jesus in our lives and it is important that we all trust Him and obey Him. "Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and,'Love your neighbor as yourself,'" Luke 10:27. How can we truley claim to love our neighbor as ourselves if we can't share the gospel of Jesus with them. Just as the women filled their vessels full of fresh water from the well, we must fill every living vessel we meet with the word of God!

UNAWARE

I read this today and thought it was so well put and inspiring that I had to share! I pray this will be as encouraging to you as it was for me!
~Jennifer Puckett

“And then he told them, ’Go into all the world and preach the
Good News to everyone.’” Mark 16:15 (NLT)

Scripture tells us that everyone will be accountable to God (Romans 14:12), even if they have not heard of Him, which is the basis for global missions work. But what about the mission field right in our own back yards? Are we really reaching out to those who are reachable? As Christians, it is our duty to make sure that people become aware of Jesus, including teens that seem to need nobody but themselves. The people we encounter can be a divine appointment…even an unaware soul, longing to be rescued.

I heard a statistic once that stated that 80% of people who accept Christ do so by age 18. We have a window of opportunity to reach young people, and God is calling us now, to make an impact on the future generations of our world, one heart at a time.


Dear Lord, give me passion and courage to reach out to those who are unaware of Your sovereignty. Impart Your wisdom to me, so that I can be equipped to witness in such a way that peaks their interest and makes them aware of their need for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
AUTHOR~Tracie Miles

So many people have no real knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is important that we reach out to the young and old alike. I want God to use me in what ever way He sees fit. I pray He directs me to someone who is hungry for a change in their life and someone who wants to know the truth about God! I am so thankful for the Lord, He has blessed me abundantly and I would love for others to have the same experiences I have had while serving the Lord! My life has not been perfect, no life is here on earth. Although while life is not always perfect, through adversities God will give us strength and we will grow spiritually and have a deeper walk with the Lord. We learn through hard times how to really depend on the Lord, because we know only He can change our situation and bring hope to it. Through the Lord we are over comers of adversity, we are given joy, peace, and a spirit of love. I am a firm believer that the only hope for change is through the Lord. With Him leading and guiding our hearts and lives we become better wives, mothers, daughters, and friends. A change within our soul has taken place once we have the spirit of God dwelling within us. The Bible tells us we are made a "NEW CREATURE" after being baptised in His name and filled with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost! All things old are washed away, we are given a clean slate, full of new beginnings, and a more positive way of life. We can do anything in His name, through Him there is hope for the hopeless, through Him there is salvation and eternal life! I am so thankful for the one and only Saviour our Lord, Jesus Christ!