Monday, August 31, 2015

My God Fulfills All My Needs!


Our God is greater than all gods:

For I know that the Lord is great. And our Lord is above all gods (Psalm 135:5).

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He provides for our every need. Whatever you can possibly need (love,salvation, healing, peace, strength,joy, wisdom, prosperity and long life) He is able and willing to provide it

You need love:

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16


You need salvation:

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11

You need healing:
He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.Psalm 107:20
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases Psalm 103:3
He heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3.
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.Joel 2:25
I will give you back your health and heal your wounds," says the LORD. "For you are called an outcast--'Jerusalem for whom no one cares.'" Jeremiah 30:1


You need peace:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
You need strength:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

You need joy:
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.Isaiah 55:12

You need wisdom:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.Psalm 48:14:
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Psalm 37:23


You need Prosperity:
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1-2

You want to live long:
He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:15-16

Friend, let us rejoice! Our God is greater than all gods put together. He is the only living God. He reigns in all eternity. He loves unconditionally. He have solutions to problems we haven't faced yet. He is good and He is able. Rejoice!

Let us pray: Father thank you for loving me. Thank you for sending your son to die for my sin. Thank you for being all that I ever need. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Rejoice!


For our present trouble, which is only for a short time, is working out for us a much greater weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17)

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Some assume that if you are Christians you will never get sick, never suffer loss, and never have disappointment, rejection and other hardships. The scriptures never promise the Christian a charmed life, but promise that God will see him through, and will cause all things to work together for his ultimate good. Friend do not focus only on what’s going on in your life today. You only need to remember that God is working it out, and you are going to be just fine. Deal with the present. This is just for now. It will not last. Circumstances change. Hardships of today will be gone soon enough. Pain will ease but what is awaiting us is eternal. You have to be able to look beyond your current pressing hardship, you need to get pass the hurting and trust God. God work what some call impossible miracles for people before us, and He can and will work miracles in your life today.


The Bible is full of God's promises, but unlike the promises that we make, God's promises are true and He fulfills every one. Abraham believed God's promise that he would be the father of many nations. He did not waver through unbelief but was made strong as he believed in the promise of God, because he knew the one who promised it was able to perform it. You have to rest assured that God is still able to perform miracles. He is able to hear and answer your prayers. God gives us grace every time we pray. God is able to answer your prayer, and if you are born of God, He will most certainly answer it. Contrary to popular belief, God does not only answer prayers about our great needs. He gets involved in our minor troubles as well. He is a loving and concerned Father. He cares about everything about us. You can trust God and go to God with all our complications.


Jesus Himself lived in daily communion with the Father, He went to Him all the time so that He could say to His Father and our Father, "I knew that you hear me always" (John 11:42). And all the teaching of Jesus about prayer shows that we too can have communion with God. Friend, the normal Christian life is a life of regular, daily answer to prayer. It is perfectly normal for an obedient child to ask God for things in prayers and get it, get all he wants. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matt. 7:11). Trust God, He will not fail you. Dare to be a Daniel. Dare to be Abraham. Dare to be the first in your family to blindly follow God. Read your Bible because the more you read, the more you will sense how deeply God cherishes you, and how desperately He wants to answer your prayers. So learn more about God each day. Grow closer to the glorious God who treasures you beyond your wildest dreams. You can trust Him. Focus on Him. Ask the Holy Spirit for help and He will. You are not alone.

Praise the Lord!

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Pray Together...........


Again, I say to you, that if two of you are in agreement on earth about anything for which they will make a request, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19

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Does God really mean such promise? The only way we can grasp the meaning of a promise like this or any of His promises is if we have real wisdom, "and 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). Why would He make such promise? He did simply because He loves us. God is love. He is motivated by love. It is almost impossible to trust His selfless love because we are not familiar with it here on earth. Now, "Quid Pro Quo", you do this for me, and I will do that for you is something we understand. We are always looking for motivation hidden behind a behavior. You and I should understand that God is dependable. He has power to keep His promises. He doesn't lie. He doesn't change. People chosen by God who accomplished something for Him chose to believe His promises. You can and should rely on His love and His infinite Wisdom. Moses trusted God and knew Him well because he said "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19). What did God say in the last book of the Old Testament? "I the Lord do not change" (Malachi 3:6).


Now, the promise of giving you what two of you agree on is a promise that God will keep because God is the “Promise Keeper” and He keeps all of His promises. If you don't have anyone to share this promise with, ask God to send someone to you. "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive" (Matthew 21:22) Pray with them for their specific need. They'll pray for yours. You may count us at Bible Tour as your prayer partners also, if you wish. His promises are powerful, because of His love.

Trusting is not something that comes naturally to us. It has to be attained. We go through life experiencing certain hurts and disappointments (cause by those who are supposed to love us), and they leave certain scars and these need to be recognized and be released if we are to learn to trust. A life that includes trust in God is a joyous life. It's difficult for adults to learn new "tricks", but trust is not as difficult as you may think; every attempt at trusting is one step closer. This coming year, we are going to take baby steps together. We are going to strengthen our faith together by reading God’s Word, and by encouraging each other.


Can we all trust God? Really trust Him? Can we trust Him with our hearts, our resources, our relationships, our health, our lives and our souls? Absolutely! There was nobody before Him and there will be nobody after Him. He is the Alpha and The Omega. He had no predecessor. He will have no successor. He is the source of all things. He is all things. He is the giver of life. He is life. He is the joy out of every sorrow. He is the light of every darkness. He's the peace that passes all understanding. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. You can trust that He will keep all of His promises. Friend, you can and should trust God. Find a prayer partner and start praying. God is able!

I agree with you that God is changing your circumstances right now. Your loved ones are healed. Your body is healed. That job is yours. Your finances are restored. Your marriage is restored. Your tuition is paid in full. You are passing every test in school and in life. Your boss has a new found respect for you. The promotion is yours. Your enemies are subdued. Strongholds are broken. Sinful habits are destroyed. You are walking in victory and favor. You are blessed coming in. You are blessed coming out. Your sadness is being replaced with great joy. Your children are obedient and saved in Jesus holy name. Amen.

Praise the Lord!

Friday, August 28, 2015

My God is Great!


Our God is greater than all gods:

For I know that the Lord is great. And our Lord is above all gods (Psalm 135:5).

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He provides for our every need. Whatever you can possibly need (love,salvation, healing, peace, strength,joy, wisdom, prosperity and long life) He is able and willing to provide it

You need love:

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16


You need salvation:

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11

You need healing:
He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.Psalm 107:20
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases Psalm 103:3
He heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3.
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.Joel 2:25
I will give you back your health and heal your wounds," says the LORD. "For you are called an outcast--'Jerusalem for whom no one cares.'" Jeremiah 30:1


You need peace:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
You need strength:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

You need joy:
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.Isaiah 55:12

You need wisdom:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.Psalm 48:14:
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Psalm 37:23


You need Prosperity:
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1-2

You want to live long:
He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:15-16

Friend, let us rejoice! Our God is greater than all gods put together. He is the only living God. He reigns in all eternity. He loves unconditionally. He have solutions to problems we haven't faced yet. He is good and He is able. Rejoice!

Let us pray: Father thank you for loving me. Thank you for sending your son to die for my sin. Thank you for being all that I ever need. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Merciful God!


She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:11

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The above scripture should be very important to the believer it reveals Jesus true nature, His nature to forgive. He refused to condemn despite His knowledge of the truth. The adulterous woman was brought to Him in the hopes of condemnation but the Lord sent her away and ordered her to sin no more. The people were not aware of it yet, but the very purpose of Jesus was to save, to give life abundantly. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly". (John 10:10) The Lord God loves us all. His love is not what we typically see in this world. It is a profound and wonderful truth that His love for us is loaded with His goodness and mercy. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, Who is ever-present with us, our soul and heart finds peace. Love and mercy go hand in hand. It is because of His mercy that he came to die for us.


God has always been and always will remain good and merciful. In His goodness He deals compassionately with His children. Because God is good, we may have comfort in addressing Him, for being accepted in His beloved Son (Ephesians 1:6), His eyes are now upon the righteous, and His ears attentive to their cry (Psalm 34:15). It doesn't matter if you are rejected by your spouse and family. You will always have acceptance in God's loving arm: Isn't that beautiful!

Because God is merciful we can call on Him "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I can desire beside thee?" (Psalm 73:25). In every respect, "I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). It doesn't matter what our situation is, we have God mercy, goodness and salvation through Christ. Glory!

Friend, let people know that you are a man/woman of God by showing forgiveness and mercy. It may not be easy, and people can be so deceitful sometimes, but still, I urge to show them the same compassion that Christ showed on us on the cross. I am urging you to forgive yourself as well. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday, or last weekend, if you confess and repent our God of mercy will forgive you, so give yourself a break, as you give your co-workers a break by being merciful and forgiving. Let God mercy and goodness remain alive in you.

Praise the Lord!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Peace in Jesus!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will HAVE TROUBLE. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).

"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." (Romans 14:19.). 2) "Pursue peace with all men, and, without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14).

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

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It is very difficult for people to have conflict with others who will not fight! This does not mean that we should make peace at any cost by denying truth. We can remain faithful to truth without going to war, though it might appear costly at the moment. Jesus and many others have done it.

Sometimes it is our difficulties that will interfere with our peace. There are trials and tribulations that we are going through that seem to be getting bigger and larger than life. We wonder sometimes, what we have done wrong? Then we start doubting ourselves and pretty soon we begin to doubt God's ability to overcome. Most of the times, our trials are not punishments from God. They are often tests designed to strengthen us. We have to remain firm and we must trust in God's word, regardless of what the situation look like, because it is not by might, not by power but by my spirit, says the word of God. We have to understand that God is at work or we will get discouraged. WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT CHRIST ALREADY "OVERCOME". That means YOU have victory over sins, YOU have victory over diseases, YOU have victory over rejection, YOU have victory over YOUR finances, YOU have victory over YOUR personal relationships, YOU have victory over depression and emotional brokenness, YOU have power over your addictions, YOU have peace in the midst of your storms because Christ overcome the world. You ca have peace.

The doctor's diagnosis was troubling: you can have peace. Your spouse walk out: you can still have peace. Peace and trust go hand in hand. We you trust God you are able to enjoy peace in the midst of the storm. You know how it is going to end. You have victory in Jesus. Praise Him!. Rest assured that God is able. He loves you. You feel alone but you are not alone. The battle was won on Calvary. You health was restored on Calvary. Your issues were resolved on Calvary. You can have peace.

Friend, You cannot lose when you place your faith in God. Now charge your spirit up with the word of God and walk in victory and let the peace of God Reign!
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7



Praise the Lord!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Praise the Lord!


And again, "Praise the Lord, all you nations! Praise him, all you people of the world!" Romans 15:11
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;Psalm 92:1

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Psalm 105:1-2

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The mercy of the Lord is new every morning (Lamentation 3). Each day we can find a fresh place to begin. I don’t know about you but I woke up with a song in my heart. I feel this incredible joy. God is good all the times and some other times, he really reveals Himself to us, doesn't He? After everything you have been through in this lifetime, I after all the trials and tribulations, hurt and pain, sickness and disease, you woke up this morning. Glory! Regardless of what I have lined up for a day, I always wake up with joy. I can’t believe God is blessing me with another day. I have to tell you I enjoy life with everything that comes with it (defeat and success, health and illness). All of it is part of the “Living experience”. God decides to bless me with another day and I am going to rejoice in it. It is really hard to rejoice sometimes, but it a lesson that I had to learn. Every day is a blessing. You and I are witnessing history. We are a part of something great, and we know that it is going to be greater when we reach our destination (heaven). Once you understand this truth, you should be able to go through your afflictions with joy knowing what is awaiting is forever. The the tests of this life are temporary but reigning with God is eternal. Let us look forward tomorrow with joy. Praise the Lord!


Friend, I do not know what you are facing this morning, you can be in the middle of the biggest fight of your life. He is still the One who cares and the One who is able.There is no greater than Jehovah, Our God and Creator. There is no other like Him. Your sickness, disease, pain, lack, broken heart, trials and tribulations are not greater than the Almighty God. If you have made a place for Jesus Christ, then God is on your side. He wants to step in. His desire is for you to live a worry free life. He is at the door waiting for you to give Him the green light. It is time to pack the hurt and the pain out of your life, and make room for peace and joy. That is what the good news of Christ is all about. Choose life, choose joy, choose peace, and don't forget to praise the Lord!

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5

Praise the Lord!

Monday, August 24, 2015

Words Have Power!


Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5: 11

Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. Ephesians 4:29

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Have you ever been in needs of comfort and someone you trusted uses the opportunity to hurt you? Even those we love and claim to love us fail us miserably at times. People often try to coerce us in order to get what they want from us. It is a dangerous and hurtful form of brainwashing. People assume if they hurt you enough then you would not be strong enough to do what is right and to follow God's lead. Consequently, easier to manipulate. Just recently I experienced ridicule and mockery of the worst kind from an unlikely source. It was so powerful that uncontrollable tears came down my face instantly. I did not see it coming. I was devastated and I had to turn my telephone off and run to God for comfort. The people who harm us are not always our enemies. They can also be loved ones. We have to be wise when it comes to seeking counsel. "Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words." Proverbs 23:9


People hurt each other on purpose. You have to be careful who you listen to and the Bible urges us not to listen to what people have to say. Do not let them hurt you with words. Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others. (Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 NIV)

God has called the Christian to be an encourager:
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thess. 5:11)
“Let us encourage one another…” (Heb. 10:25)
Encourage one another daily…” (Heb. 3:13)
Naturally, on occasions we do just the opposite. We don't build up but we tear down. We must understand that each time we encourage someone, it may change the course of his/her life. When someone comes to you in tears do not kick him while down. Use the the opportunity to encourage him, wipe the tears, and give him hope. As ambassador of Jesus Christ it is our job.

Dear friend, the Word of God commands us to encourage each other. By being someone who encourages, you can build people's self-worth. Attacking and tearing down might be easy but it is not godly and God does not take any pleasure in hurting anyone. The Bible warns not to spend time criticizing each other, running each other down; looking for the dirt marks, weak spots in each other's lives. There's enough of that in the world already. without Christians beating on each other, too. What you and I need now is enduring love, patience, kindness as well as builders and not destroyers. We shouldn't laugh at people's weakness. We must remember that mockery is not of God. You and I must show the world the love of God by treating one and other with kindness. The Bible speaks of gentleness. Whatever form it takes, use encouragement that builds up people rather than tearing them down. It should be our heart's desire.

Listen, be responsible for a smile and not a tear. Be an encourager! Speak truth, life, health and prosperity over each other. Be a player in someone's restoration and not destruction! Be like like Christ and be blessed!

Praise the Lord!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

My Healer....


Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise. Jeremiah 17:14

"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5).

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We already know that the Lord wants everyone to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). He also wants us to be well. God cares about every area of our lives. Naturally, our health is very important to Him. Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." 3 John 1:2

My friend, when you are going after your miracle you have to be persistent. You have to submit to God, stay in the word by meditating on healing scriptures, pray in faith, get some elders to pray and anoint you with oil and do not stop believing no matter what you and no matter what the doctors say. Faith is what move the hand of God and not the desperation of the situation, and worry definitely does not move the hand of God. "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Hebrews 6:12

Some people get lazy when it comes to going after their miracles. They get tired of reading the word of God and they get tired of praying. God is our Jehovah Rapha, The healer of all diseases not just a few (Ps. 34:6; 3:1-8; II Sam. 22:1-7, 17-20, 31. He is the ultimate promise keeper. He does what He says and says what He means. He gives directions that we must follow if we want to experience His glory. The best attitude is not desperation after diagnosis. God gives a spirit of peace and self-control. When the doctor's report does not match the word of God, you need to believe God. The same power that raised Jesus Christ from death is in you. God is our healer. He heals the common cold as well as Cancer, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, MS, Dementia and all the others that are rampant in the world. God made our bodies and surely is able to heal. Put your faith in God my friend and you will not be deceived. It is not over until God says it is.

Until our bodies become incorruptible, and as long as this world exists, we will have to suffer some form of disease. Yet, the Lord our God, Jehovah-Rapha, who loves us so very much sent His son to die for our sin and now we have eternal life and we can be healed. God does heal His people from all sicknesses and diseases. He "took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses" (Matt. 8:17). And he clearly tells us how to seek his healing power in our time of need (James 5:14-15). The Bible says that often the Lord heals us of sickness and disease by graciously preventing them (Psalm 91:4-16). Dear friend God cares. He wants you well. You can be well. You shall be well. Go to God.

For years I suffered with digestive issues. Many doctors have misdiagnosed me. Some said I had IBS, others GERD, a few Acid Reflux, and many concluded it must be Stomach Ulcer. They all have their choice of pills, of course. But it wasn't until I brought my burden to the Lord that the real diagnosis came to light.  My Gallbladder was simply full of stones and they had all missed it. Friend, we cannot rely on anyone else but God. God is always the answer. Always go to God with your burdens.  Doctors are gifted. Their gifts come from God. (Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows James 1:17).Our God is the Ultimate Healer. Listen, God heals the physical and the emotional, He heals it all. Go to Him with all your ailments and He will not disappoint you. He is able!


The name of God our Lord and Savior is Jehovah-Rapha. He is "the Lord that healeth thee." Exodus 15:23-26 tells us various things about sickness and divine healing.
Many people are afraid of certain disease because it runs in their family or because someone they love died of it. My dear friend it does not have to be that way. You can choose to trust God. Jesus died to break us free from generational curses. Disease, sickness and pain are not the will of God. They do not come from God. Our heavenly Father is good and only wants the best for us. Do no accept/agree with the liar. Believe the word of God. Trust in the Lord and His ability along with His willingness to heal you. Your health and everything else that concerns you is a priority to God. Trust him to restore health into you. Miracles still happens. You can trust God. He is able and willing to do great things for you. He is not intimidated by the name of the disease. Whatever it is the doctor says the test revealed is not greater than the blood of Christ. Choose life. Choose God' s word and be blessed and be healed!

We are healed and made free when we accept and make the work of Christ on Calvary personal. Jesus suffered those stripes to heal "YOU" personally. He took away your sickness and your pain. Accept your healing by faith and continue to meditate on the healing scripture. Do not be moved by doctor's report no matter what. Cling to the word of God. Meaning: read and meditate constantly. Let the word of God live in your heart until there is no room for doubts. Do not doubt God's healing power. The Lord still heals. He heals our body and our soul. He will heal you. This is the very name of God our Savior, JEHOVAH-RAPHA. "THE LORD THAT HEALETH THEE!"

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;  for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.

Praise the Lord!

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Psalm 150

Let us praise the Lord today. We will not pray for healing or anything else today. Let us declare today a day of worship and praise. God is merciful and faithful. Let us praise him today for who He is. Thank you Father for your love. Thank you for being you.


1 Praise the LORD

Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.



Praise the LORD.

Friday, August 21, 2015

God Keeps His Promises............


God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:9

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. Psalm 40:10

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There are countless stories of the faithfulness of God throughout the Bible. Those who put their trust in him are never put to shame. You and I must decide to trust him. We must choose this instant that He is the only way. He knows what he is doing and we must rely on his might. God knows how to bring comfort in the midnight hour. He knows how to bring peace in the middle of a storm but you will not experience his peace unless you dwell at his feet. You cannot be a hit a nd run child of God who came to him only when it fits your schedule. you have to remain at his feet and when the storms come as they always do, you will have no fear because you will already the heart of God. You will not fear. There are times when we cannot see the hands of God but we have to trust the heart of God.

God is looking for sons and daughters who will sleep through the night in the middle of chaos. He is looking for those whose faith won't be shaken at the first sign of calamity. Can He count on you? God is looking for those who are faithful in affliction. Can you be faithful? God is looking for those who understand that His plan for their lives is a good one. He is looking for those who seek him with all of their hearts. Can He count on you? My friend the truth is that God is faithful. He has always been faithful. He has not changed. We are the ones who doubts him. Those who rely on God understand that he is always with them. God is always with us. We have to seek God with all of our hearts and we will find him and only then we will be able to experience the faithfulness of God.



Thursday, August 20, 2015

Let's Talk Heaven!


In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3

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What a wonderful promise! What images come to mind when you think of Heaven? What is Heaven really like? And what will we be like when we get there? The Bible doesn't go into details about heaven because "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). We simply cannot fathom the glory that awaits us. When I think of the magnificence of God, I am convinced that heaven will be mind-blowing. God is an amazing architect. There will also be no more death in heaven. There will be no more children suffering the mental and physical abuse of a step parents. There will be no disease in Heaven: AIDS, Cancer, Alzheimer, Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure, and all of the others ravaging our physical bodies will be forever gone, Revelation 22:3

Mothers will finally relax in heaven, their children will never again be sent to fight senseless wars, their husbands will no longer run off with the neighbors or secretaries. Relationships will be pure and pain and "mind game" free. I am looking forward to that one. There will be no crying in heaven, no more hurt because your skin is a different color or speak with an accent. No more rejection because of your background, finally complete acceptance. No more striving for the best education, the best job and the best social status because we'll be the bride of the Ultimate Provider, He will take care of our needs. No more sins! Our physical bodies will be glorified and we will sin no more, we'll be completely restored, glory! Did you know that we will recognize each other in heaven? Matthew 17 reveals that Peter recognized both Elijah and Moses even though they lived years apart. In heaven, we will know not only our loved ones but everyone else that is there. My ultimate favorite is to finally see Christ face to face, to be able to thank Him for giving me the opportunity to be with Him. I will no longer imagine His smile; I will get to see it.

Jesus is our bridge to heaven. There is no alternate road. "Jesus says to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me". John 14:6 His death offers forgiveness of your sins. Acknowledge that you are a sinner; accept Him as your savior and the promise of heaven will be yours as well.

Praise the Lord!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Unmerited Favor....



Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity. He gained favor from God and people. Luke 2:52

For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:35

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God created us to have perfect oneness with Him. He created us to glorify Him. God created everything for us. We were created to have dominion over the creation but disobedience to God cause us to lose the favor of God and to be back in God's favor, we need to walk in obedience. God blesses those who walk in faithfulness. To receive favor is to be somebody's favorite and being somebody"s favorite means that you get special attention. The favor of God is what you should seek my friend and not money. The Bible tells countless stories of people who received favor of God. Sarah received favor. God blessed her with her child when it was impossible because of her old age. The Lord was with Joseph also, and he granted Joseph favor with the chief jailer (Gen 39:21). With God favor, Joseph was able to achieve his destiny with his own life and for his family as well. Noah found favor with the LORD (Gen 6:8). The rains came down hard just like predicted for over a century and the floods came up, and Noah and his family alone were saved.


We can admit that never in the history has there been a generation with so much and yet with no satisfaction. Let us be honest, in America, everything is within reach. If you dream it, you can achieve it; but It brings no joy, and no satisfaction. You can actually feel the emptiness flowing into people. That is one of the reasons why marriages fail. People are desperately looking for satisfaction. People have collection of cars, numerous houses and many sexual partners but they have no joy. That is why drug and alcohol are rampant in communities. People are looking for the wrong things. They are looking for self-interests instead of God's interests. They no longer glorify God. They glorify themselves. We do whatever we can to feel the void in our hearts. We go after everything except God.

Friend, we are losing our children. Young people are dying of drug overdose and alcohol abuse. They desperately need God. Our hearts get broken every day. How many young people full of promise do we lose every year? When will we be mad enough to go out and do something? It is our job to share the good news of Christ with them. We must turn curse into blessing. We must turn back to God. We need to call on His cleansing power. God promised to bring back all of His favor: "A faithful man shall abound with blessings" (Proverbs 28:20). It is the only way to receive favor of God.

Let us determine in our hearts not to look at the failure of the past. Let us run back home just like the prodigal son. Let us put God before our own interests. Let us seek God, and truly seek Him. Let us open our hearts to receive His fullness. God’s plan is that you and I fulfill our destiny.

"A faithful man shall abound with blessings" (Proverbs 28:20).

Praise the Lord!

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Praise the Lord!


Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. Psalm 113

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God is looking for men and women who are going to be consistent and persistent in their faith-walk. People who are going to praise Him, regardless of their situations; can He count on you?
Will you have the courage to praise him when your spouse of twenty years walked out on you for no apparent reasons?
Are you going to praise Him when everyone around you is being blessed with material things while you were just fired?
Can God count on you when you are starting to go gray and all of your friends are married and having children and you have yet to meet your soul mate, and everyone at church and in your own family whispers loudly behind your back?
Will God be able to count on you when the world seems to be against you and all doors seem to be closing at once?
Should He count on your praise when the doctor looks at your loves ones and shake his head while telling you there is nothing else possible that he can do?

There are times in our lives that are so difficult that we’ll be tempted to believe that our efforts are vain, and we may be tempted to get discouraged, but those would be the time to trust God, and take Him at His word. Spend quiet time in meditation to find out what He has to say about your situations. The Bible says. “If we endure with Him, we will also reign with Him”. 2 Timothy 2:12; “Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience and joyfully giving thanks to the father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:11’12

Praise the Lord friend, praise God because He commands us to do so, He desires our praise and He most definitely deserves our praise. God is Sovereign He is the Alpha and the Omega; He is “just” in all His ways. Praise Him through your hardships; praise him through your victories. He takes pleasures in his people praise (Psalms 149:4). He takes pleasure in those who fear (honor/respect/trust) Him and those who hope in His steadfast love. (Psalms 147:11). He fulfills the desire of all who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them. (Psalms 145:19.

Are you going through a storm this morning? Look upon God and not around you. We are serving “The living God.” He is willing and able to change your situation if you just let Him in. Open the door and the eyes of your heart and He will come in. The presence of the Lord always brings change. Your situation will have to change.

For more on the subject of perseverance read: Romans 8:25; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 3:14 Psalm 37:7-9; Hebrews 10:36; James 1:2-4 and 12; Romans 5:3-4 ; Revelation 21:7; 2 Timothy 2 ;12-13 .

Be fortified, be courageous and please be patient, in Jesus name!

Praise the Lord!

Monday, August 17, 2015

Favor of God......



Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity. He gained favor from God and people. Luke 2:52

For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:35

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God created us to have perfect oneness with Him. He created us to glorify Him. God created everything for us. We were created to have dominion over the creation but disobedience to God cause us to lose the favor of God and to be back in God's favor, we need to walk in obedience. God blesses those who walk in faithfulness. To receive favor is to be somebody's favorite and being somebody"s favorite means that you get special attention. The favor of God is what you should seek my friend and not money. The Bible tells countless stories of people who received favor of God. Sarah received favor. God blessed her with her child when it was impossible because of her old age. The Lord was with Joseph also, and he granted Joseph favor with the chief jailer (Gen 39:21). With God favor, Joseph was able to achieve his destiny with his own life and for his family as well. Noah found favor with the LORD (Gen 6:8). The rains came down hard just like predicted for over a century and the floods came up, and Noah and his family alone were saved.


We can admit that never in the history has there been a generation with so much and yet with no satisfaction. Let us be honest, in America, everything is within reach. If you dream it, you can achieve it; but It brings no joy, and no satisfaction. You can actually feel the emptiness flowing into people. That is one of the reasons why marriages fail. People are desperately looking for satisfaction. People have collection of cars, numerous houses and many sexual partners but they have no joy. That is why drug and alcohol are rampant in communities. People are looking for the wrong things. They are looking for self-interests instead of God's interests. They no longer glorify God. They glorify themselves. We do whatever we can to feel the void in our hearts. We go after everything except God.

Friend, we are losing our children. Young people are dying of drug overdose and alcohol abuse. They desperately need God. Our hearts get broken every day. How many young people full of promise do we lose every year? When will we be mad enough to go out and do something? It is our job to share the good news of Christ with them. We must turn curse into blessing. We must turn back to God. We need to call on His cleansing power. God promised to bring back all of His favor: "A faithful man shall abound with blessings" (Proverbs 28:20). It is the only way to receive favor of God.

Let us determine in our hearts not to look at the failure of the past. Let us run back home just like the prodigal son. Let us put God before our own interests. Let us seek God, and truly seek Him. Let us open our hearts to receive His fullness. God’s plan is that you and I fulfill our destiny.

"A faithful man shall abound with blessings" (Proverbs 28:20).



Praise the Lord!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

God is Love....



     
Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arises." And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people! Luke 7:11-16

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The widow got an unexpected miracle. We are serving a God full of compassion for His people. He rewards us when we least expect it, that is why it is so important to seek His Kingdom first. We can trust Him to take care of our dearest needs. God is telling you "Do not weep" this morning. He hears your cry, He loves you. He wants to touch your situation this morning. You have been crying long enough. You have been carrying this pain way too long. Would you put it on God capable hand this morning? His compassion has not changed. He loves you just the same. What He did for others, He is still willing to do for you. Will you please trust Him this morning? Bring your trouble to Him once and for all, and leave it at His feet. Your days of sadness, fear and worry are over, praise God; we are serving a compassionate, living God.

Our Miracle worker has not yet retired and nothing is impossible to Him. He cares about the mountains of your life as well as the little disturbances. He wants to give victory in all circumstances. You may bring all of your trouble to Him. He cares about your soul and the math exam you are about to take. His plan is for you to walk in victory, praise God.

As you leave home this morning, I pray that you feel highly favored, victorious in Jesus name, because you are indeed blessed, victorious the son/daughter of the Almighty.You don't have any trouble, all you need is faith in your Maker, and your Father.

Praise the Lord!

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Fear Not!


"Therefore do not worry, saying what will we eat? Or what will we wear? For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things". Matthew 6: 31-32

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Putting your faith in God DOES work. I am talking from experience. I know exactly what it is like to toss and turn all night long and then take a pill the next night to sleep, and another pill or caffeine drink to keep awake through the day. I have known the fear of not having enough to pay my bills, the fear of losing house and my job, the fear of getting sick, the fear of marrying the wrong person, and the fear of letting the right person go. I have known the endless fear of living alone and dying alone. I have been tormented and challenged in every area of my life.
I WAS LOCKED UP IN A PRISON OF WORRY AND FEAR FOR A LONG TIME.

One day, I opened my Bible to Matthew chapter 6 and I have been leading a different life ever since, (Praise God!). Matthew 6 is God's provision for a worry-free life. In Matthew 6, our loving Father is clearly telling us not to worry. Matthew 6 to me is a summary of everything God reveals about himself throughout the Bible. He is saying:


I am Jehovah-Elyon; The Most High Lord, who sees all and can do all (Psalms 7)
I am Jehovah Rohi, The Lord your Shepherd who takes great care of you (Psalms 23)
I am Jehovah Shalom, The Lord your peace (Judges6: 21)
I am Jehovah Rapha, The Lord who heals you (Exodus 15:26)
I am Jehovah Jireh, The Lord who provides for you (Genesis 22:14)
I am Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord Your Banner/Who gives you victory (Exodus 17:15).
I am Jehovah Sabaoth, The Lord of Armies who fights your battles (Isaiah 44:6, Malachi 3:7, and Psalms 46:7)
Obviously when you have Jehovah on your side, there isn't a need to worry. Besides, the word of God says "which of you can add a single hour to span of life by worrying? (Matthew 6:27).

Friend, if worrying is sign of little faith; then putting an end to worry could be the right step in faith building. Make the decision to trust God. Ask Him through prayers to help you trust Him. "Ask, and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7)
Don’t let worry and fear paralyze you for another minute. Unlock the prison door. Break free. Jesus died for you freedom. Claim that freedom in His name. Read Matthew chapter 6:25-34 and get on the road to recovery.

Praise the Lord!

Friday, August 14, 2015

Follow Jesus.............

    
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Psalm 25:9

Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11

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There are times in our lives when we don’t know what to do. We weigh all of the options, and neither one seems right. It can be frustrating and scary. We look for counsel and people do not seem to care. We pray and we are not getting any prompt feedback from God to our CURRENT PRESSING issue. What do we do when our back is against the wall, all doors are locked, and we stand alone? What do we do when we pray for the sick and they get sicker? What do we do when when we pray over our finances and we lose everything? What do we do when everything goes wrong? The truth is we get scared because we are not in control. Somehow we do not like to endure and we want quick fix to our trouble because we are in hurry to get to the other side and consequently we often miss out on the lesson and the purpose of the situation on hand. The truth is, we cannot always know what to do and we cannot always see the future but we can always trust the One who holds the future. We can always believe the promises of God. You and I can choose to believe that God is reliable and He has a solid track record. The foundations basis for our trust in the Lord is knowing (understanding/acknowledging/recognizing) who He really is.


As I mature in faith, I realize that trusting God should not be out of convenience. It is a commitment. It takes self-denial. Trusting God is a journey. You and I have to make the decision to walk (step by step) with Him. We have to hang on to Him even throughout our trials. When we do not know what to do, we can trust His leadership. We can believe that He will see us through. We are never alone. We may not hear from God and we may not even understand what He is doing but assuredly He has not lost control of the world and John 3:16 tells us He loves us. God is forever good and merciful. You and I can always count on Him. We must trust His Purposes for our lives. Romans 8:29 (For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.)

My dear friend, God commands us to trust Him and not our own understanding. Job, Abraham, Sarah, and Daniel are all great examples of people who trusted God and were ever transformed. Friend, live confidently with the awareness of God's involvement in your life. Embrace the fact that He is the good Shepherd and your needs are covered. When you don't know what to do, trust God and know a peace you never thought possible.

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



Thursday, August 13, 2015

Hiding Place in God......

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all. Psalm 34:17-19) 

Anyone who says that life will be a walk in the park once you become a Christian is lying. To be honest, more trouble seems to come to those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior. As far as I am concerned it seems inevitable. Frankly, everyone I know is going through something. Personally, I am always coming out of something while getting into something new. It never ends. But why is that? Christians really do have a real enemy. The devil wants us to turn away from God in order to make doubt our eternal life. The devil wants to be blinded in order for him to lead us into sin and convince us that we will never be forgiven. As far as I am concerned it seems inevitable. Everyone I know is going through something. I am always coming out of something while getting into something new. But why is there always so much opposition?

 As Christians we have a real enemy. He wants us to turn away from God in order to make us doubt our salvation. He wants to blind us and lead us into sin to make us think that we can never be forgiven again.  The devil wants us to feel alone, depressed and oppressed. His ultimate plan is to take us all in hell with him. You see, He knows that there is no salvation for him. He does not really want to us to enjoy what God is preparing for us. He is the deceiver. He wants to hurt God by seducing us. He wants us to feel alone, depressed and oppressed. He ultimately wants us all in hell with him, forever separated from God. Listen, the devil is well-know liar. You must know his tactics in order to be prepared for his attacks.  You must remember that God is on our side. He loves us. He wants the best for us. He promised to never leave us. God renews the strength of those who hope in Him; so, should we worry when life gets tough? Those who believe that God is indeed all that He says that He is remain steadfast in times of trouble. They understand that every problem is an opportunity to experience the glory of God

Every challenging situation is a privilege to see God do what He does best: taking care of His beloved children. When all doors seem to be closing at once and your back is up against the wall, you can find a hiding place in Good. You can also find your hiding place in God. I mentioned here before how painful my childhood was and we all know that chaotic childhood cause unbalanced adulthood but God supernaturally gave me the strength to pull through it all. He opened up my eyes to understand that painful or hurtful, somehow it fits His plan for my protection and for a secure future.  Not surprisingly, God has promised to keep each one of us safe and He is the Promise Keeper (glory!) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3 Not surprisingly, He has promised to keep each one of us safe, holy, separated unto Himself; and He is a promise keeper (glory!). 
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3) 

I know that That God will always choose the hardships that best prepare us for the hardships that best prepare us for the future challenges. It may not look like it and it may not feel like it at the time but as we learn to rest in God, it will become abundantly clear that each struggle accomplishes its purpose and God will rescue us at the appointed time “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2) 

My dear friend, May you rest peacefully in His plan and provision! Do not turn away from such deep and true love.  May you know that God’s hand is never too far or too short to save! May you live in perfect ones with God Friend! May you know that in Him you are safe! May you remain still and unshaken in His divine presence! may you rest peacefully in His plan and provision! Don’t be foolish to turn away from such deep love. Trust your Shepherd to lead you to green pastures. May you know without a doubt that God’s hand is never too far off to save! May you live in perfect union with Him!  May you know that in Him alone you are safe so that you can be still, and unshaken in His divine presence! May you know that God is your only hiding Place forever!
 

Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:13-14) 

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:9-10) 

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. (Psalm 119:50) 

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. (Psalm 138:7) 

Praise the Lord!



Wednesday, August 12, 2015

I Have Learned to Trust God in the Valley....


But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3:21-24

For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Psalm 108:4

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In times of hardship I have often wondered why God does not seem to be faithful to His promises. Why doesn't He come to my rescue already? Can He even be trusted? Was David a liar? Did God really deliver him multiple times? I know for sure that there have been times in my own life (when I really wanted God to turn somethings around and let the outcome be different) when my prayers did not seem to "avail much." As a child, my mother's passing in her mid-thirties was definitely a life changing and faith shaking period. As an adult, I also encountered some defining moments. A few years ago after I prayed a while and against my loved ones advice, I got rid of my place, quit a job of 15 years. Said good bye to family, friends and my church along with all my church responsibilities. I secured a new job. I packed up my truck and I moved to my dream city some seven hundred miles away (you would agree it is one of the nicest cities to live). I was on a waiting list for a gorgeous apartment in Buckhead and I was the happiest woman on earth. I loved everything about that city. Even the aggressive traffic was pleasing to me, but the move unleashed an incredible chain of regrettable events that lasted a couple of years and left me homeless, jobless, spiritually and emotionally broken.

On the day that I received the key to my new place, I learned that the job offer was retracted; an issue that made it impossible to hold on to the apartment. I found myself alone in a big city. I was anxious but most agonizing was the thought of having to face a possible return home. After I exhausted all resources. I felt defeated, I was ashamed and heartbroken. I did not want to face my family, my church and my friends. It was a challenging time to say the least. During that period I did little else other than prayed, cried, pleaded and begged God to open a door, to do something, anything that would keep me from going home. Returning was simply not an option but my prayers seem vain. Few months later, bitter and defeated I was living in my father's tool shed back in Florida. I made him promise not to tell my siblings or anyone for that matter that I was back. The days, weeks, and yes months that followed were emotionally, physically and spiritually draining. I struggled with the thoughts that perhaps God was not listening and that He really did not care. Why should I pray anymore? Where was the God of Abraham, Elijah, and Daniel? Certainly you have struggled with similar questions in your own life.

There are times when you and I won't understand what God is doing, but trust me when I tell you He is working in our favor that is why the word of God says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8. You and I must trust God. See, my destiny was in the city I left behind. The man I was meant to marry was still there. My dream job, educational goal, as well as my ministry were still there. God could have easily opened a door and allowed me to stay in the city of my choice but He loves me too much. He placed me in a position where I had to return home. I knew that God wanted me in Florida but I resisted, and the more I resisted returning, the more I suffered, and eventually I had no choice but to come home. Now I am grateful that I was forced to return or I never would have met my husband and apart from my salvation he is my greatest blessing. Have I stayed in Georgia I probably wouldn't have the fulfilling career that I have now. Friend, God will not answer your prayer when you turn away from Him. You and I need to live a life of obedience. We must submit to the will of God or else we will suffer the consequences.

Believe it or not, sometimes even our pain, sufferings and trials are expression of God's love. I was brought up in church. I had a strong Bible believing teacher as a pastor.  I had a praying mother and a deacon father. I led the youth choir, became a Sunday school teacher youth minister while I was still a teenager but it was in my father' tool shed that I experienced the miracle working power of God and it was in that shed that my trust in God was forever sealed (Read "My Fathers' Shed" for more on that time period). Despite what you feel and despite what you see, you can still trust God. He's got a good track record. He is faithful. He is a trust worthy God. Shout about it somebody!

During my lengthy stay in my father's tool shed I read the book of lamentations thoroughly and often.  If you ever read the book of Lamentations, you are familiar with Jeremiah. This is what he had to say in Lamentations 3:1-8: "He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer." and verse 14 says "I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long."  I know exactly what Jeremiah was feeling. Surely you have experienced moments of despair as well. The beauty of Jeremiah's heart is that he knew who God was even in the middle of the trying times. Lamentation 3:20-23 expresses it best "I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." 

My dear friend, the same way Jeremiah remembers God' immovable and  immutable love, you and I must trust in that love. He reveals is great love for you and I by sending Jesus Christ. Parents abandon children. Spouses leave. Friends are not always faithful, oh yes family betray but our God can be trusted. He has a good tract record even though we don't always understand how He works. God is sovereign. We can and Should trust Him. I certainly still trust God.

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

Praise the Lord!

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Why not Trust God?




But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3:21-24

For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Psalm 108:4

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In times of hardship we have often wondered why God does not seem to be faithful to His promises. Why doesn't He come to our rescue? Why does God let bad things happen? Why didn't we get that job? Can God even be trusted? Was David a liar? Did God really deliver him multiple times? Is the gospel gospel of Jesus Christ a big sham?

 I know for certain that there have been times in my own life (when I really wanted God to turn somethings around and let the outcome be different) when my prayers did not seem to "avail much." As a child, my mother's passing in her mid-thirties was definitely a life changing and faith shaking period. I prayed for her healing and yet she died. As an adult, I also encountered some defining and faith shaking moments. A few years ago after I prayed a while, I got rid of my place, quit a job of 15 years. Said good bye to family, friends, my church along with all my church responsibilities. I secured a new job. I packed up my truck and I moved to my dream city some seven hundred miles away (you would agree it is one of the nicest cities to live). I was on a waiting list for a gorgeous apartment in Buckhead and I possibly was the happiest woman on earth. I loved everything about that city. Even the aggressive traffic was pleasing to me, but the move unleashed an incredible chain of regrettable events that lasted years and left me homeless, jobless, and spiritually and emotionally broken.

On the day that I received the key to my new sensational place, I learned that the job offer was retracted; an issue that made it impossible to hold on to the apartment. I found myself alone in a big city. I was anxious but most agonizing was the thought of having to face a possible return home. After I exhausted all resources to my last dime, there was nothing left to do. I felt defeated, I was ashamed and heartbroken. I did not want to face my family, my church and my friends. It was a challenging time to say the least. During that period I did little else other than prayed, cried, pleaded and begged God to open a door, to do something, anything that would keep me from going home. Returning home was simply not an option but my prayers seem vain. Few months later, bitter and defeated I was living in my father's tool shed back in Florida. I made him promise not to tell my eight siblings or anyone for that matter that I was back. The days, weeks, months and yes YEARS that followed were emotionally, physically and spiritually draining. I struggled with the thoughts that perhaps God was not listening and that He really did not care about me (but even then, I knew God existed. I only wondered if He cared). Why should I pray anymore? Where was the God of Abraham, Elijah, and Daniel? Certainly you have struggled with similar questions in your own life.

There are times when you and I won't understand what God is doing, but trust me when I tell you He is working in our favor that is why the word of God says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8. You and I must trust God. See, my destiny was in the city I left behind. The man I was meant to marry was still there. My dream job, educational goal, as well as my ministry were still there. God could have easily opened a door and allowed me to stay in the city of my choice but He loves me too much. He placed me in a position where I had to return home. I knew that God wanted me in Florida but I resisted, and the more I resisted returning, the more I suffered, and eventually I had no choice but to come home. Now I am grateful that I was forced to return or I never would have met my husband and apart from my salvation he is my greatest blessing. Have I stayed in Georgia I probably wouldn't have the fulfilling career that I have now. Friend, God will not answer your prayer when you turn away from Him. You and I need to live a life of obedience. We must submit to the will of God or else we will suffer the consequences.

Believe it or not, sometimes even our pain, sufferings and trials are expression of God's love. I was brought up a Christian and my life revolves around church activities. I had a strong Bible believing teacher as a pastor.  I had a praying mother and a deacon father. I led the youth choir, became a Sunday school teacher,  youth minister while I was still a teenager but it was in my father' s  tool shed that I experienced the miracle working power of God and it was in that shed that my trust in God was forever sealed (Read "My Fathers' Shed" for more on that time period). In spite of what you feel and despite what you see, you can still trust God. He has an exceptional track record. He is faithful. He is a trust worthy God. Shout about it somebody!

During my lengthy stay in the tool shed I read read the book of lamentations thoroughly and often.  If you ever read the book of Lamentations, you are familiar with Jeremiah. This is what he had to say in Lamentations 3:1-8: "He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer." and verse 14 says "I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long."  I know exactly what Jeremiah was feeling. I was also the laughingstock when it became public knowledge that I was back in Florida. Surely you have experienced moments of despair as well. The beauty of Jeremiah's heart is that he knew who God was even in the middle of the trying times. Lamentation 3:20-23 expresses it best "I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

My dear friend, the same way Jeremiah remembers God' immovable and immutable love, you and I must trust in that love. He reveals is great love for you and I by sending Jesus Christ. Parents abandon children. Spouses leave. Friends are not always faithful, oh yes, family betray but our God can be trusted. He promised to never forsake us. He has a good tract record even though we don't always understand how He works. God is sovereign. We can and Should trust Him. I certainly still trust God.

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

Praise the Lord!